Football transfers are more than just player movements; they are complex negotiations shaped by influential football agents. These agents not only handle contracts, wages, and transfers but also orchestrate sponsorship deals, image rights, and marketing opportunities for the world’s biggest talents. In 2025, several influential football agents have risen above the rest, dominating the global football landscape with their client rosters, networks, and market presence.
The role of influential football agents goes beyond representation. They advise players on career choices, facilitate transfers to top clubs, negotiate contracts, and maximize earnings through commercial partnerships. They also influence club strategies and player valuations, making them central figures in football today. Here is a detailed breakdown of the top 10 influential football agents who are redefining the football transfer market.
10. Kia Joorabchian
Kia Joorabchian is regarded as one of the most prominent influential football agents in modern football. Born in Iran, he has built a powerful network spanning England and Europe, representing players such as Philippe Coutinho, Douglas Luiz, Joshua Zirkzee, Sergio Reguilon, and Willian. Joorabchian is particularly renowned for orchestrating moves in the Premier League, using his strong relationships with club executives and managers to secure optimal deals.
Beyond transfers, Kia Joorabchian plays a pivotal role in managing sponsorships and commercial deals for his clients. In 2025, he remains a key figure for both emerging talents and established stars, combining strategic negotiation skills with deep industry insight. His work consistently highlights why he is considered one of the top influential football agents in Europe and globally.
9. Pere Guardiola
Pere Guardiola, brother of Pep Guardiola, has carved a niche as a highly respected influential football agent. As chairman of Girona FC and a senior figure at the Sports Entertainment Group in the Netherlands, he manages high-profile football personalities including Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag. His dual role handling managerial contracts and player transfers positions him at the intersection of individual career growth and club strategy.
In 2025, Pere Guardiola uses his expertise in Spanish and European football to negotiate lucrative deals while emphasizing long-term career planning for his clients. He ensures that every transfer is strategically advantageous, both financially and professionally. Guardiola’s influence confirms his status as a leading influential football agent in Europe today.
8. Casey Wasserman
Casey Wasserman is the owner of the globally recognized Wasserman Agency, representing some of the world’s elite football talent. His client roster includes Federico Valverde, John Stones, Curtis Jones, and Nathan Ake, with a combined market value of approximately €1.79 billion. Wasserman is known for blending strategic transfers, career planning, and commercial endorsements to give his clients a competitive edge.
Wasserman’s influence is particularly evident in negotiating high-profile moves across Europe and beyond. In 2025, his strategies continue to shape global football trends. With a worldwide presence, Wasserman ensures his clients benefit from the extensive network, solidifying his position among the most influential football agents today.
7. Federico Pastorello
Federico Pastorello heads P&P Sport Management S.A.M., managing players like Hee-chan Hwang, Alex Meret, Arthur Melo, Neal Maupay, and Demarai Gray. He is considered a strategic and professional influential football agent, known for securing favorable terms and impactful transfers across European football.
Pastorello aligns club needs with player ambitions, overseeing not only transfers but also contract negotiations and career advice. His ability to balance both perspectives ensures mutually beneficial outcomes. In 2025, Federico Pastorello remains a trusted name for players seeking growth and high-profile moves, reinforcing his status as a leading influential football agent.
6. Stefano Castagna
Stefano Castagna, working with AIS Agency, represents top Italian talents like Luiz Felipe and Emerson Royale. Recognized as one of Italy’s most respected influential football agents, Castagna uses his deep understanding of Serie A clubs and executives to negotiate advantageous contracts and career-boosting transfers.
In 2025, Castagna continues to elevate Italian players’ careers, securing opportunities both domestically and internationally. His ability to interpret market trends and maximize player potential highlights why he is considered a highly effective and influential football agent in the modern football ecosystem.
5. Volker Struth
Volker Struth, head of Sports360, is a key figure in German football and a top influential football agent. His client list includes Niklas Sule, Timo Werner, Fabian Schar, and Toni Kroos. Struth’s influence spans Bundesliga and European competitions, where his negotiation skills have facilitated numerous major transfers.
Known for meticulous planning and strategic guidance, Struth ensures his clients achieve success both on and off the field. In 2025, he remains a dominant force in Germany, shaping club decisions and transfer policies. His consistent track record cements his reputation as one of the most trusted influential football agents in Europe.
4. Pini Zahavi
Pini Zahavi, owner of GoI International, is a global heavyweight among influential football agents. His clients include Hansi Flick, Christopher Nkunku, Jonathan Tah, Sean Longstaff, and Alex Telles. Zahavi is famous for negotiating high-profile, multi-million-euro transfers, leveraging his global connections with clubs and executives.
In 2025, Zahavi continues to reshape football markets with his deals. He advises clients on sponsorships and career planning, ensuring both professional growth and financial security. His unmatched negotiation skills and worldwide influence make him a benchmark for other influential football agents in the industry.
3. Rafaela Pimenta
Rafaela Pimenta, a former lawyer, is one of the few women in football agency with major influence. She represents elite talents like Erling Haaland, Matthijs de Ligt, Marco Verratti, and Kasper Dolberg, taking over Mino Raiola’s legacy. Pimenta has emerged as a central figure among influential football agents due to her strong negotiation skills and ability to manage high-profile clients.
Her approach focuses on both career growth and commercial success, ensuring her clients maximize market value. In 2025, Rafaela Pimenta continues to inspire new generations while managing Europe’s top talent, solidifying her role as one of the most respected influential football agents globally.
2. Jonathan Barnett
Jonathan Barnett, founder of ICM Stellar Sports, has guided stars like Saul Niguez and Ben Chilwell, and masterminded Gareth Bale’s record-breaking transfer to Real Madrid. His strategic insight and contract management make him one of the most effective influential football agents in Europe today.
In 2025, Barnett continues to manage elite players, ensuring optimal contracts and transfers while providing professional guidance. His ability to maximize player value and negotiate high-profile deals cements his reputation as a top-tier influential football agent in modern football.
1. Jorge Mendes
Jorge Mendes, head of Gestifute, is widely considered the most powerful and influential football agent in the world. He has managed Cristiano Ronaldo and currently represents Joao Felix, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva, Darwin Nunez, Pedro Neto, Matheus Nunes, and Diogo Jota. Mendes’ influence spans Portugal, Spain, England, and beyond, making him unmatched in the football transfer market.
endes also manages top managers like Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo, and Sérgio Conceição. In 2025, Mendes continues to define player careers, negotiate record-breaking transfers, and shape global football economics, reinforcing his position as the leading influential football agent worldwide.
FAQs
Who are the most influential football agents in 2025?
Jorge Mendes, Rafaela Pimenta, and Jonathan Barnett are considered top influential football agents globally.
Which agent manages Cristiano Ronaldo?
Jorge Mendes has managed Cristiano Ronaldo and continues to represent top Portuguese talents.
Are there women among influential football agents?
Yes, Rafaela Pimenta is a highly respected female influential football agent managing elite players in Europe.
How do influential football agents make money?
They earn from transfer fees, contract negotiations, commissions, sponsorships, and image rights deals.
Why are influential football agents important?
They play a crucial role in transfers, career planning, and maximizing player earnings while shaping global football markets.
