Anthony Joshua and Eddie Hearn Plan to Enter the Football World

What began as a casual Instagram joke from Anthony Joshua about joining football management to help a future England World Cup star has now evolved into a serious business venture. Behind the scenes, the pair has been meticulously planning a comprehensive football agency for years, which is now rapidly gaining momentum.

Matchroom Sport’s influential figure, Eddie Hearn, confirmed that they are actively scouting talent, holding meetings, and working on the infrastructure of their ambitious project. Joshua, still recovering from injury, has been heavily involved in Zoom discussions about the venture’s structure—showing his strong commitment.

Their goal is to develop a top-tier, all-encompassing football management agency that offers a full range of services, including contract negotiations, transfers, sponsorships, PR, endorsements, lifestyle logistics, and long-term career planning. Hearn emphasizes this will be a ‘360-degree’ service, providing everything from club transfers to booking private jets and managing personal branding.

With experience in successful sports sectors like darts and snooker, Hearn believes they can disrupt the football industry, which is often fragmented across multiple agents and agencies. They aim to establish a powerful presence globally, especially in the Middle East, representing elite players and leveraging their extensive contacts.

Discussions with top players and scouts have already begun. Joshua’s reputation and connections, including conversations with high-profile footballers, position him well to attract talent. Hearn states they plan to bring in qualified intermediaries to navigate licensing regulations established by FIFA and the Premier League, ensuring legal transfer operations.

While exact timelines are unclear—with plans possibly extending into early 2026—their focus remains on building a strong foundation before launching. Joshua’s business acumen, reinforced by his investments in real estate, startups, and sports branding, supports the venture’s potential.

The duo envisions this football agency as a joint venture, possibly under the Matchroom or 258 Management banners, but the core ambition remains the same: to create a dominant, comprehensive football management powerhouse. Their experience suggests they’re prepared to make a significant impact on the sport’s landscape in the coming years.