Dagenham and Redbridge bought by popular YouTuber KSI, Arsenal supporter talks about Premier League ambitions against non-league club
KSI has sensationally announced that he has become the owner of non-league side Dagenham & Redbridge. The YouTuber-turned-musician-turned-professional boxer, whose real name is Olajide Olinka Williams Olatunji, has become a shareholder in the Daggers.
The National League South club has confirmed that KSI will join the club as a shareholder and strategic partner. Last month, it was confirmed that the club had been acquired by Happy Fun Group LLC, an investment group led by John Grabowski.
The National League South side play in the sixth tier of the English Football League system, two promotions up from the Football League. KSI becomes the club’s latest investor, just days after former England, Liverpool and Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll also became a shareholder.
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KSI invests in National League South side Dagenham & Redbridge (Image: Getty Images)
A passionate Arsenal supporter, KSI is one of the driving forces behind the UK YouTube scene, with the 32-year-old boasting over 17 million subscribers and over 4 billion views on his main channel.
He is also part of the YouTube supergroup The Sidemen. The Sidemen revolutionized content creation on the platform with their high-quality videos, but they’ve branched out into the real world with their own brand, hosting numerous YouTube charity matches.
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In a post on his Instagram, he said: “I’m so excited to start this journey. It’s definitely going to be a rollercoaster but I’m hoping to bring Dagenham and Redbridge back to its glory days.”
“If you are an OG (Race to Division 1) fan, you know this is a first round moment for me.
“So come join me on this exhilarating adventure and see you this Saturday at Victoria Road! I’ll be streaming too lol @daggersfcofficial.”
In the video, he said: “I’ve done boxing, music, YouTube content and traveled the world. I’m a guy who does whatever he wants to do. You can never stop doing what you want to do. I’m going to buy Dagenham & Redbridge Football Club.”
“That idea excites me so much. Years ago, I witnessed happiness and joy. I want to bring that back and exceed that. I want to energize the place, shake up the place and make it an event when you come here.”
“Playing video games and owning a football club are very different, but the race to Division One was a tough journey, but in the end we did it.
“I want to do the unthinkable with this club. I want to take Dagenham and Redbridge to the Premier League. It will take time, but realistically I think we will get out of this league and into the National League.”
“We need to improve the team. There are improvements we can make to take the team to another level.”
Panoramic view of Dagenham & Redbridge stadium (Image: PA)
“I know some people are scared. I’m one of the owners, so I’m available. Tweet me and I’ll see it. You can vent your frustrations, or you can celebrate with me.”
“I’m a fighter. I’ve had a broken nose, a broken hand, and a broken thumb. It’s been a tough battle, but I’m going to keep fighting to be successful with the Duggars. I’m ready to get started.”
The YouTuber is referring to FIFA’s “Race to Division One” series, which shot to fame in the mid-2010s. Carol was among those who commented on the post, replying: “Let’s do this (fire emoji).”
Prior to the announcement, it was confirmed that Stephen Thompson MBE would step down from his role as managing director and board at the end of March.
KSI has broken into the mainstream since emerging on social media, scoring a number one album in 2021 with All Over the Places, being included in a sold-out boxing match with Tommy Fury and Logan Paul, and more recently serving as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent.
His record-breaking drink ‘Prime’ wowed the hydration drink market alongside his former boxing adversary Paul. Since then, the two have sponsored not only KSI’s beloved Arsenal, but also European powerhouse teams such as Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Benfica, and Juventus.
The investment will see him join the likes of Spencer Owen as YouTubers in the non-league football pyramid after Owen’s Hashtag United climbed through the divisions and moved into the promotion zone of National League South.
The Daggers were a Football League club until 2016, and after winning promotion in the play-offs in 2010, they had one season in League One, but have since fallen down the pyramid, suffering relegation from the National League to the Southern Division and sitting 13th, five points out of the play-offs. They host Dorking Wanderers on Saturday.
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