The football club Como, located in Northern Italy, has experienced a dramatic history of both success and hardship. A notable chapter in its recent past involves the acquisition of the club by Akosua Puni Essien, wife of former Chelsea player Michael Essien, for €237,000 in 2017. However, this ownership was short-lived, ending in bankruptcy just months later.
In March 2017, Como was struggling financially and facing bankruptcy. Akosua Puni Essien stepped in and purchased the club’s assets for slightly over €237,000, becoming the first foreign female entrepreneur in Italian football history.
Despite the historic acquisition, challenges quickly arose. Como failed to provide the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) with the necessary financial guarantees for registration in Serie C. This led to the club being denied entry into the professional third division and ultimately resulted in its bankruptcy.
Following its bankruptcy, Como was re-established in Serie D, the fourth tier of Italian football. The club’s fortunes changed in 2019 when Indonesian billionaire brothers Robert and Michael Hartono, owners of the Djarum Group, invested in Como. Their backing provided financial stability and a more professional management approach, enabling the club to pursue promotion.
Como has since undergone a significant transformation, evolving from a club on the brink of collapse to one now valued at over €500 million. This remarkable resurgence highlights the club’s resilience and the impact of strategic investment.
The journey of Como football club, from its purchase for €237,000 to its current valuation exceeding €500 million, serves as a testament to perseverance and smart investment, demonstrating how football institutions can rebuild and thrive even after facing near ruin.
