Ben Harburg Becomes First Foreign Owner in Saudi Football History

The 41-Year-Old Investor Shares His Vision and Connection with Fans of Al-Khodood

At 41 years old, Ben Harburg has carved out an impressive career across multiple continents. Having lived in Africa, North America, Europe, and Asia, he is known for co-founding one of China’s biggest commodity trading companies and managing over $2 billion in assets as Managing Partner at MSA Capital. Now, Harburg has set his sights on football in the Middle East, making history by becoming the first-ever foreign investor in Saudi Pro League. In July, he acquired a 100% stake in Al-Khodood FC, setting off a new chapter in both his career and Saudi football.

A Challenging Start to the Season

Harburg’s journey with Al-Khodood began with a difficult start. The club lost 2-1 to Al-Ettifaq FC on opening day, a match captained by star midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum. Their second game was no easier, as they fell 2-0 to Al-Nassr FC  a team featuring global icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, João Félix, Kingsley Coman, and Sadio Mané.

But Al-Khodood quickly bounced back. With impressive league victories against Damac FC and Al Shabab FC (Riyadh), followed by a cup win over Al-Bukiryay, the team now has momentum heading into their home clash with Al-Najma SC on Friday.

A Unique Ownership Approach

Harburg’s ownership style has drawn attention not just in Saudi Arabia but around the world. Speaking to Joy Sports, he said

“It’s interesting what’s been happening in Saudi Arabia because people are like, ‘Oh, you’re doing all this stuff to kind of integrate yourself with the local community.’ Actually, this is my standard playbook.”

Unlike many club owners who remain distant from supporters, Harburg has been actively engaging with fans online, often tweeting in Arabic, responding to supporters’ messages, and creating a personal bond with the club’s base.

Fan Engagement at the Core

Harburg admits that his approach is not based on a special strategy but rather on his personal philosophy of sports ownership.

“I didn’t go into this with some strategic plan that I was gonna tweet in Arabic and stoop to the fans’ level. This is just what I love to do, what I would do anyway,” he explained.

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He believes that in football, financial success alone isn’t enough  the strength of a club depends on its connection with the fans. This mindset has already set him apart in the Saudi football ecosystem, which has historically seen limited direct communication between club owners and supporters.

Not Just About Profit

Despite being a seasoned investor, Harburg emphasizes that football isn’t a goldmine for profit.

“Football is probably not a way to get super rich. If it’s done well, you can kind of preserve your wealth and maybe grow it slightly, but it’s not a highly lucrative asset class,” he said.

For Harburg, owning a football club isn’t just a business  it’s about building something meaningful. He recognizes that fan loyalty is crucial to long-term success both on and off the pitch.

Building a Lasting Relationship with Fans

Harburg is clear about his mission: to create a bond with supporters that goes beyond winning or losing.

“If you don’t have a big fan base, and there’s not a lot of people filling the stadiums, and these people don’t have a strong bond with you, there’s really no reason to do this,” he said. “I want to get to know our fans, I want them to tell me how they feel, I want to make them happy.”

He acknowledges that the relationship between a club and its supporters can turn sour quickly during bad runs, but believes transparency and respect can buy patience.

Setting a New Standard in Saudi Football

Harburg’s leadership could inspire other investors and owners in Saudi Arabia to adopt a more fan-centered approach. His methods, common in some European clubs, are still relatively new to the Saudi football environment. Many fans have expressed excitement at his openness, seeing him as a refreshing presence in the league.

Looking Ahead

With a young and energetic squad, Al-Khodood will be looking to continue their winning streak. For Harburg, this journey is not just about trophies but about creating a community, building trust, and contributing to the league’s growing global reputation. His story reflects the changing landscape of Saudi football  one where international investors are no longer distant figures, but active participants in shaping the club’s culture.

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