The global football community is mourning the loss of Milan Mandaric, the Serbian-American businessman whose extraordinary influence on the sport spanned continents and decades. Mandaric, who passed away at the age of 87 in a Belgrade hospital after a short illness, leaves behind a legacy that is as complex as it is inspiring. His death was announced by his family on October 4, 2025, with tributes pouring in from every corner of the football world, a testament to the indelible mark he left on clubs in the United Kingdom, the United States, and across Europe.
Born in Yugoslavia, Mandaric’s journey from an ambitious entrepreneur to one of football’s most revered club owners was anything but ordinary. He first made his mark in American soccer, founding the San Jose Earthquakes in 1974 and bringing professional football to San Jose—making it the city’s very first professional sports franchise. The Earthquakes, now one of the longest-running soccer clubs in the United States, honored their founder by wearing black armbands during their match against the Vancouver Whitecaps on October 5, 2025. The club’s official statement read, "We are deeply saddened by the passing of our founder and longtime owner Milan Mandaric. We are forever indebted to Milan for bringing professional soccer to San Jose and building the Earthquakes into one of the longest running clubs in the United States. His focus on developing soccer at the grassroots level and connecting his club closely with the community not only helped create countless soccer fans and players around San Jose and Northern California, but will serve as his lasting legacy as the sport continues to flourish. Thank you, Milan."
Mandaric’s passion for the beautiful game was matched only by his business acumen. After selling the Earthquakes three years after founding them, he would buy them back due to his unyielding desire to grow soccer in Northern California, before selling them again. His connection to the club remained strong throughout his life, culminating in his attendance at the Earthquakes’ 50th anniversary celebration at PayPal Park in 2024—a moment cherished by fans and the club alike.
But Mandaric’s ambitions were global. Crossing the Atlantic, he became a household name in English football. In 1999, he rescued Portsmouth FC from bankruptcy, buying the club out of administration and leading them to the Premier League under the stewardship of manager Harry Redknapp. This remarkable turnaround not only secured their place in English football’s top flight for the first time in 15 years but also earned Mandaric the Freedom of the City award. Reflecting on his time at Portsmouth, Mandaric said in September 2024, "I will never forget that time at Portsmouth – the greatest time in my life. I have been asked many times by the media in the world – what is your favourite club? I don’t have to think about it at all, there is only one – that’s Pompey. When they ask why, I tell them because I fell in love with their affection for their team. It is unbelievable how much they care. I was helping their club out for them to be happier."
Mandaric left Portsmouth in 2006 but wasted no time in taking on his next challenge. He acquired Leicester City, breathing new life into a club that had fallen on hard times. Under his ownership and the management of Nigel Pearson, Leicester City captured the League One title in 2009, a moment that set the stage for the club’s resurgence in English football. Leicester’s statement following his passing captured the sentiment of many: "All at Leicester City Football Club are saddened to learn of the passing of our former chairman Milan Mandaric. Milan brought passion and charisma to the Club between 2007 and 2010, a period which included a League 1 title win."
Mandaric’s knack for reviving struggling clubs was legendary. In December 2010, he took over Sheffield Wednesday at a time when the club was in distress, agreeing to settle all debts and injecting much-needed stability. His five-year tenure saw Wednesday secure promotion to the Championship in the 2011-12 season, with fans and players alike expressing their gratitude. Former captain Semedo posted, "RIP, my friend. Thank you for everything you did for our club and for me. Us Owls family will never forget you." Sheffield Wednesday’s tribute echoed this sentiment: "Everyone at Sheffield Wednesday is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former owner and chairman Milan Mandaric. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."
Mandaric’s leadership style was characterized by a blend of passion, charisma, and a genuine love for the game. He was widely respected for his ability to connect with supporters and for his hands-on approach. Whether it was settling debts, guiding clubs to promotion, or simply being present in the directors’ box, his involvement was both deep and personal. As his family poignantly stated, "Milan will be fondly remembered as chairman and owner of Portsmouth, Leicester City and Sheffield Wednesday in the UK, along with a number of US and European clubs. His love for football was only surpassed by that for his family; he will be sadly missed by his two daughters and three grandchildren. The family have asked for privacy at this sad time."
Mandaric’s influence extended beyond England and the United States. Later in life, he became involved with Slovenian club Olimpija Ljubljana and served as vice-president of Serbian Superliga side Vojvodina in his hometown of Novi Sad. His commitment to football development at every level was unwavering, and he remained an active participant in the sport until his final days.
His achievements were recognized in many ways. In addition to the Freedom of the City award in Portsmouth, Mandaric was inducted into the San Jose Earthquakes Hall of Fame in 2012, cementing his status as a pioneer of professional soccer in the United States. The clubs he touched—Portsmouth, Leicester City, Sheffield Wednesday, and the San Jose Earthquakes—each reflected on his passing with heartfelt tributes, underscoring the breadth and depth of his impact.
Mandaric’s legacy is not simply one of business success or trophies won. It is a story of resilience, vision, and a rare ability to bring people together through sport. He is survived by his two daughters and three grandchildren, who, as his family noted, were the true center of his world. As the football community pauses to honor his memory, it is clear that Milan Mandaric’s influence will be felt for generations to come—a fitting tribute to a life devoted to the beautiful game.
As tributes continue to flow and fans recall his many achievements, the clubs and communities that Milan Mandaric served will carry his legacy forward, ensuring that his passion for football lives on in every match, every promotion, and every new supporter who falls in love with the sport he cherished so deeply.
