Kyril Louis-Dreyfus made headlines when he first acquired a stake in Sunderland AFC in February 2021, taking over from former owner Stewart Donald as president of the Stadium of Light. At just 23, the Frenchman became the youngest president in Football League history, marking a bold new era for the club.
Since securing his initial stake, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has steadily increased his investment in Sunderland AFC, becoming the central figure behind the scenes. His leadership has coincided with a promising upturn in the Black Cats’ fortunes on the pitch, fueling hopes of a bright future for the club.
Sunderland’s Comeback Under Kyril Louis-Dreyfus: How the Young Owner is Driving Their Championship Revival
When Kyril Louis-Dreyfus first invested in Sunderland, the club was in its third consecutive season in League One. That season ended in heartbreak, with a play-off defeat to Lincoln City. But things took a turn in his first full season at the helm (2021/22), as Sunderland achieved promotion back to the Championship through the play-offs, marking a significant milestone in the club’s resurgence.
Since their return to the Championship, Sunderland quickly found their footing, breaking into the top six in their first season back. However, last season fell short of expectations, as the decision to replace Tony Mowbray with Michael Beale mid-season didn’t go as planned, leaving the Black Cats aiming to bounce back stronger.
Under new manager Regis Le Bris, Sunderland are once again positioned as serious promotion contenders this season. Off the pitch, it was revealed in February 2022 that Kyril Louis-Dreyfus initially held only a 41% stake in the club, falling short of full control. However, he has since bolstered his ownership twice, now holding a controlling 64% stake, solidifying his role as the main force behind Sunderland’s resurgence.
Juan Sartori owns the remaining 36% stake in Sunderland, with Stewart Donald and Charlie Methven’s ties to the club ending during this period. With an impressive reported net worth of £2 billion, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has the financial power to invest significantly in Sunderland if he chooses. But where did his fortune come from?
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus hails from one of the wealthiest families globally, with much of his fortune inherited through his family’s renowned trading firm, the Louis-Dreyfus Group. Founded in 1851, the group rose to prominence in the sale of agricultural commodities and later expanded into hedge fund management and maritime operations, securing its status as a powerhouse in global trade.
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus’s late father, Robert Louis-Dreyfus, expanded the family’s wealth by turning around companies like Adidas and Saatchi & Saatchi. In 2022, the Louis-Dreyfus Group reported assets totaling £17 billion, while Kyril himself is reportedly in control of a £2 billion trust fund, underscoring his financial influence at Sunderland.
With his substantial financial background, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus may have even more resources at his disposal to further elevate Sunderland AFC. In addition to his role at Sunderland, he holds a 5% stake in French club Marseille, which was previously managed by his father, Robert Louis-Dreyfus, and he is also involved with the eSports organization Ovation. These investments could provide additional funding to support the Black Cats in their pursuit of success.