All you need to know about Omar Berrada, the new Manchester United's CEO

All you need to know about Omar Berrada, the new Manchester United's CEO

Kenneth Mwenda
updated at February 3, 2024 at 8:46 AM
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Omar Berrada, the newly appointed CEO of Manchester United, is a figure who has rapidly ascended in the world of football management. His journey began in the bustling city of Barcelona, where he immersed himself in higher education. His early career stages saw him at World Online, where he honed his skills as a Product Manager.

Omar Berrada at Manchester City
Manchester City Chief Operating Officer Omar Berrada, on January 21, 2020. Photo: Mike Egerton (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

His subsequent move to Tiscali in Madrid as a Business Development Manager catalyzed his transition into the world of football. The tenure was crucial, as it led to pivotal opportunities in the sport, including his eventual roles at FC Barcelona and Manchester City.

Profile summary

Name

Omar Berrada

Age

45 years old (as of January 2023)

Date of birth

April 18, 1978

Zodiac sign

Aries

Nationality

French

Ethnicity

Arab/Berber

Religion

Islam

Education

EU Business School; Universitat Ramon Llull; IESE Business School

Early career

Product Manager at World Online

Telecommunications role

Business Development Manager at Tiscali

Initial football role

Head of Sponsorship at FC Barcelona

Manchester City career

Various roles, including Chief Operating Officer and Chief Football Operations Officer

City Football Group

Managed operations across 11 clubs on 5 continents

Current position

CEO of Manchester United (as of January 2024)

Net worth

Estimated at $82 million

Marital status

Married

Wife

Angela Valtueña

Social media

LinkedIn, Twitter

How old is Omar Berrada?

Born on April 18, 1978, in Paris, France (aged 45 years as of January 2024), Berrada holds French nationality and comes from a background rich in Arab/Berber heritage. His journey to the pinnacle of football administration began from his roots in a Moroccan family.

Omar Berrada’s net worth and salary

His estimated net worth of around $82 million speaks volumes about his success and expertise in football management. While the exact details of his salary as the CEO of Manchester United are not publicly disclosed, it is presumed to be commensurate with the responsibility and prestige of the position.

Omar Berrada’s education and early career

Omar Berrada and Mike Summerbee
Mike Summerbee (L) and Omar Berrada of Manchester City lay flowers at King Power Stadium in tribute to the late Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha on December 18, 2018. Photo: Plumb Images
Source: Getty Images

Omar Berrada attended the Rabat American School for his early studies. As with many success stories, he was actually a college dropout. He left an engineering college in Massachusetts as it “was not for him” and instead enrolled at the EU Business School, which has campuses in Geneva, Barcelona, and Munich.

He later obtained a master’s degree in E-commerce from Universitat Ramon Llull in 2002. He also attended IESE Business School, graduating with a Program for Management Development (PDD) in General Management in 2009.

Omar Berrada's first job

Omar Berrada’s journey into football management began in Barcelona, Spain, where he pursued higher education. His first notable position was with World Online, where he joined as a Product Manager in September 1999, a role he held for over two years, according to his LinkedIn profile.

In January 2002, Berrada took up a role at the telecommunications company Tiscali, where he met his wife. This was the time he was also completing his master’s degree.

He spent two years in Madrid as a Business Development Manager. Prior to this, Berrada was reportedly involved with Honda, although this aspect of his career is not widely documented.

Rise in football management

Omar Berrada at Manchester United
Manchester City Chief Operating Officer Omar Berrada on January 21, 2020. Photo: Mike Egerton
Source: Getty Images

His tenure at Tiscali was significant, as it was here that he forged a strong relationship with the CEO of Tiscali Spain. This connection led to his transition into the football industry when the CEO moved to FC Barcelona as the Chief Marketing Officer and brought Berrada along as the Head of Sponsorship.

Berrada’s appointment at FC Barcelona was a dream come true for him, being an ardent fan of the club since his youth. He dedicated seven years to Barcelona, overseeing various activities pertinent to his role.

Omar Berrada at Manchester City

In September 2011, his career took a major turn as he joined Man City as the Head of International Business Development. This move reunited him with notable figures like Guardiola, Soriano, and Begiristain, who later joined Manchester City in various capacities.

Over the next nine years at Manchester City, Berrada’s responsibilities and roles evolved significantly. He served as the Chief Operating Officer and later as the Chief Football Operations Officer for City Football Group.

Transition to Manchester United

Omar Berrada's nationality
Mike Summerbee (L) and Omar Berrada of Manchester City lay flowers at King Power Stadium in tribute to the late Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha on December 18, 2018. Photo: Plumb Images
Source: Getty Images

His tenure with the club was marked by strategic and operational successes, leading up to January 2024, when he made a pivotal career move to Manchester United, becoming their new CEO. Berrada’s career trajectory is a testament to his vast experience in managing football clubs.

Controversies and rumors

Berrada’s career, while illustrious, has not been without its share of controversies and rumours. Notably, in 2017, former Manchester City player Sergio Aguero publicly accused Berrada of rude behaviour.

In 2019, Berrada faced criticism over the signing of Jack Grealish from Aston Villa, with detractors questioning Grealish’s fit in the team’s system. Additionally, former Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure once sued Berrada over unfulfilled promises regarding playing time.

Berrada has also been at the heart of some inspired pieces of transfer business conducted by City. This is, in particular, none more so than the deal for Erling Haaland in the summer of 2022.

Omar Berrada’s old Manchester United tweets

Within minutes of his move to Manchester United being announced, historical tweets resurfaced on social media. This showcased Berrada’s playful banter aimed at his new employers.

These old tweets have become a part of the folklore surrounding his appointment at United, illustrating the depth and complexity of football rivalries. Another tweet read:

Stuck at the airport 'cause of snow delays. Killing time watching @mufc vs @chelseafc on my iPad via Sky go. And hoping for a Man U loss...

Omar Berrada’s family and personal life

Beyond the football field, Omar Berrada is a family man, married to Angela Valtueña. The family reside in Wilmslow, Cheshire, close to Manchester. Angela is a Spanish journalist and TV presenter, and the couple shares two children.

Final word

Omar Berrada’s ascent to becoming the CEO of Manchester United epitomizes his vast experience and success in the realm of football management. His journey, marked by significant roles at FC Barcelona and Manchester City, underscores his prowess in shaping the strategic and commercial aspects of top-tier football clubs.

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Authors
Kenneth Mwenda photo
Kenneth Mwenda
Kenneth Mwenda is a business and sports writer with over five years of experience. At Sportsbrief, he contributes to writing biographies and listicles.