John Textor is an American businessman and sports executive who has built a multi-club football empire through his holding company, Eagle Football Holdings. Known for his background in technology and streaming, Textor owns or has owned stakes in prominent clubs across Europe and South America, including Olympique Lyonnais, Botafogo, Crystal Palace, and RWDM Brussels.
What is John Textor’s net worth?
American businessman, founder of Eagle Football Holdings, and former executive chairman of fuboTV.
Not publicly disclosed; estimates range from US$250 million to claims of billionaire status.
Botafogo (Brazil), Olympique Lyonnais (France), RWDM Brussels (Belgium); formerly Crystal Palace (England).
Married to Deborah; father of two. Religious background not publicly documented.
- John Textor is a key figure in the multi-club ownership model, controlling teams in three countries across two continents.
- His technology and media background distinguishes him from traditional football investors.
- Net worth figures vary widely and are not officially confirmed by Textor or his representatives.
- His 2022 acquisition of Olympique Lyonnais marked his entry into top-tier European football.
- Textor sold his minority stake in Crystal Palace in July 2025 for a reported £190 million.
- Eagle Football Holdings serves as the central vehicle for all his football investments.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Charles Textor |
| Born | September 30, 1965 |
| Occupation | Businessman, investor, former tech executive |
| Known For | Founder of Eagle Football Holdings, multi-club football ownership |
| Clubs Owned (Current) | Botafogo, Olympique Lyonnais, RWDM Brussels |
| Former Club Stake | Crystal Palace (sold July 2025) |
| Net Worth | Not publicly confirmed; one 2023 estimate cites US$250 million |
| Spouse | Deborah (mentioned in one source) |
| Religion | Not publicly known |
What football clubs does John Textor own?
Botafogo
Textor acquired a controlling stake in Botafogo, a historic club based in Rio de Janeiro, in 2021. The club competes in Brazil’s Série A and has a passionate fan base. Under Eagle Football Holdings’ ownership, Botafogo has seen investments in infrastructure and squad development.
Olympique Lyonnais
In late 2022, Textor purchased a majority stake in seven-time French champion Olympique Lyonnais. The acquisition was seen as a significant step into elite European football. Lyon plays at the Groupama Stadium and regularly competes in European competitions.
RWDM Brussels
RWDM, or RWD Molenbeek, is a Brussels-based club that joined the Eagle Football portfolio in 2023. The club plays in the Belgian Pro League and represents the latest addition to Textor’s growing network.
Crystal Palace
Textor held a minority stake in Premier League side Crystal Palace from 2020 until July 2025, when he sold his shares. The sale was reported at £190 million. His departure came amid differing views on the club’s strategic direction.
Eagle Football Holdings mirrors the approach taken by groups like City Football Group and Red Bull. The model allows clubs to share scouting networks, player development resources, and commercial partnerships. Critics raise concerns about competitive balance and regulatory compliance under UEFA rules.
Who is John Textor’s wife?
According to a profile published by Palm Beach Post in 2012, Textor lived on Jupiter Island with his wife Deborah and their two children. Beyond that article, the name and professional background of his spouse have not been widely reported in credible, publicly available sources. No further confirmed details about his marriage or family life are available.
Unlike many public business figures, John Textor maintains a relatively low profile regarding his family. No official biographies or company leadership pages reference his wife by name. The single mention in a local news article remains the only confirmed source.
What is John Textor’s religious background?
The available sources do not contain any verified information about John Textor’s religious beliefs or affiliations. Neither his personal website, company profiles, nor biographical entries on Wikipedia reference a religious denomination. As a result, no reliable statement can be made about his faith.
Timeline of John Textor’s Career and Club Acquisitions
- 1965: John Charles Textor is born on September 30 in Kirksville, Missouri, USA.
- 1990s–2000s: Builds a career in technology, digital media, and entertainment, including founding Virtual Bank and working in CGI and virtual human technology.
- 2010s: Serves as Executive Chairman and later retired Executive Chairman of fuboTV, a sports streaming platform, following its merger with Facebank Group.
- 2018: Founds Eagle Football Holdings, a holding company designed for multi-club football ownership.
- 2020: Acquires a minority stake in Crystal Palace FC of the English Premier League.
- 2021: Acquires a controlling interest in Botafogo, a traditional Brazilian club based in Rio de Janeiro.
- 2022: Purchases a majority stake in Olympique Lyonnais, one of France’s most decorated football clubs.
- 2023: Adds RWDM Brussels (RWD Molenbeek) in Belgium to the Eagle Football portfolio.
- July 2025: Sells his minority stake in Crystal Palace for a reported £190 million.
What is firmly established versus uncertain about John Textor?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Born September 30, 1965, in Kirksville, Missouri | Exact net worth figures are not publicly confirmed; estimates vary |
| Founder and majority owner of Eagle Football Holdings | Wife’s full name and professional background are not widely reported |
| Owns or has owned stakes in Botafogo, Olympique Lyonnais, RWDM, and Crystal Palace | Religious affiliation is not documented in any reliable public source |
| Served as Executive Chairman of fuboTV | Specific financial terms of club acquisitions are not fully disclosed |
| Sold Crystal Palace stake in July 2025 for approximately £190 million | No confirmed business relationship with Ares Management has been found |
How did John Textor make his money?
Textor built his fortune through a series of ventures in technology, digital media, and entertainment. Early in his career, he founded Virtual Bank, an internet banking and financial services company. He later moved into digital entertainment and visual effects, working on virtual human and CGI technologies. His most prominent role was as Executive Chairman of fuboTV, a sports-focused streaming service that grew significantly under his leadership. Textor also led Facebank Group, a digital media company, before its merger with fuboTV. These technology and media ventures provided the capital that later funded his football club acquisitions.
Sources and quotes about John Textor
“John Textor is an American businessman and the founder of Eagle Football Holdings.”
— Wikipedia
“Textor is the retired Executive Chairman of fuboTV.”
— Eagle Football official site
“Mr. Textor is a globally recognized pioneer of disruptive technologies.”
— johntextor.org
Summary: Who is John Textor?
John Textor is an American businessman who has become a notable figure in global football through his Eagle Football Holdings group. With a career rooted in technology, streaming, and digital media, he has assembled a portfolio of clubs that includes Botafogo in Brazil, Olympique Lyonnais in France, and RWDM Brussels in Belgium, and he previously held a significant stake in Crystal Palace. While his net worth and personal life remain largely private, his public moves in football demonstrate a strategic ambition to compete at the highest levels of the sport through the multi-club ownership model. Learn more about his holding company at Eagle Football Holdings and the Brazilian club Botafogo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is John Textor’s involvement with Ares?
The query “John Textor Ares” likely refers to a potential business relationship with Ares Management, a global investment firm. However, no official confirmation or public records detail a direct link. This connection remains unsubstantiated.
What is John Textor’s role at fuboTV?
John Textor served as the Executive Chairman of fuboTV and later retired from that role. He was instrumental in the company’s growth as a streaming sports platform.
How did John Textor make his money?
Textor built his wealth through technology ventures, including Facebank and his leadership role at fuboTV. He also has investments in entertainment and internet-based businesses.
Is John Textor married?
Yes, John Textor is married to a woman named Deborah, according to a 2012 Palm Beach Post article. They have two children.
How many football clubs does John Textor own?
Textor’s Eagle Football Holdings currently owns majority stakes in three clubs: Botafogo, Olympique Lyonnais, and RWDM Brussels. He previously owned a minority stake in Crystal Palace.
When was John Textor born?
John Charles Textor was born on September 30, 1965, in Kirksville, Missouri, United States.
What is Eagle Football Holdings?
Eagle Football Holdings is a holding company founded by John Textor in 2018. It is the majority owner of Botafogo, Olympique Lyonnais, and RWDM Brussels.
What is John Textor’s background in technology?
Before football, Textor worked in internet banking (Virtual Bank), digital entertainment, CGI and virtual humans, and was Executive Chairman of streaming platform fuboTV.
Does John Textor have a relationship with Ares Management?
No verified public sources confirm any business relationship between John Textor and Ares Management. The connection is not supported by available records.
Where did John Textor grow up?
John Textor was born and raised in Kirksville, Missouri, a small city in the north-central part of the state.
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