Manchester City forward Erling Haaland has made an influential friend in England – Manchester billionaire Umar Kamani, who built his fortune in the retail clothing sector.
A passionate supporter of the Cityzens, Kamani met the Norwegian striker shortly after his transfer to the club. Their shared interests quickly extended beyond football, with a mutual love for exclusive watches and high-end cars bringing them closer.
The billionaire often spends time with Haaland. Kamani was seen supporting the Norwegian national team alongside the striker's family during the sensational World Cup 2026 victory against Brazil (2-1) in the Round of 16. Following the team's exit, the pair enjoyed some downtime together on a yacht along the French Riviera. They were also spotted in Dubai during World Cup 2022, in St-Tropez, and at private parties.
It was Kamani who introduced Haaland to a circle of global celebrities. The businessman has connected the footballer with notable figures such as Anthony Joshua, Derek Chisora, Tommy Hilfiger, and Prince Albert II of Monaco. Furthermore, as reported by the Daily Mail, it was Umar who orchestrated Haaland's meeting with NBA legend Michael Jordan, which took social media by storm this summer.
Who is Umar Kamani:
- Family History: His grandfather fled war-torn Kenya in the 1960s and sold bags in the marketplace. Umar's father, Mahmood Kamani, expanded the fashion business and co-founded Boohoo in 2006.
- Business and Wealth: In 2012, Umar, alongside his brother Adam, launched the youth-focused clothing brand Pretty Little Thing (PLT). By 2024, Kamani's fortune had risen to $1 billion.
- Controversies: PLT has faced criticism for its environmental impact, while its parent company Boohoo has been scrutinised for low wages (around $5 an hour) and poor working conditions during the pandemic, leading to investigations by the National Crime Agency, a 42% drop in share prices, and Umar stepping down as CEO of PLT in 2023, only to return a year later.
