Ex-Portsmouth, Leicester owner Mandaric dies
Milan Mandaric, the Serbian-American businessman and former owner of Portsmouth, Leicester City, and Sheffield Wednesday, has died at the age of 87 following a brief illness. Mandaric, who played a pivotal role in rescuing Portsmouth from administration in 1999 and led the club to the Premier League under Harry Redknapp, passed away on October 4, 2025, in a Belgrade hospital. His legacy includes transforming multiple football clubs and leaving a lasting impact on English football.
Mandaric’s long-standing involvement in football began with his acquisition of Portsmouth at a critical financial juncture, steering the south-coast club from administration back into top-flight English football by winning the Championship in 2003. After departing Portsmouth in 2006, he assumed ownership of Leicester City, overseeing their promotion from League One under manager Nigel Pearson before selling the club to Thai businessman Vichai Srivaddhnaprabha. He then took charge of Sheffield Wednesday in December 2010, rescuing the club from financial distress and guiding them to promotion to the Championship in the 2011-12 season.
Widely regarded as a football “fix-it” figure, Mandaric’s business acumen and passion for the sport revitalized clubs facing significant challenges. Portsmouth paid tribute to his contribution, highlighting his deep affection for the club and its supporters, while Leicester City acknowledged the passion and charisma he brought during his tenure. Sheffield Wednesday praised his role in bringing hope and stability to Hillsborough.
Mandaric’s career extended beyond English football, including ownership roles in the United States with the San Jose Earthquakes, where he was instrumental in soccer’s early development in Silicon Valley. His commitment to football was matched by his devotion to his family, suriving him are two daughters and three grandchildren.
The late Mandaric’s unique legacy lies in his ability to restore competitive and financial health to multiple clubs, blending business responsibility with a genuine love for the game. His time at Portsmouth remains particularly treasured, where he once described his ownership as “the greatest time” of his life, underscoring the emotional connection he fostered with the club and its fans. His passing marks the end of an era for the clubs he shaped and the broader football community.