Mino Raiola, widely regarded as football’s most influential agent, built a formidable reputation by securing the best deals for his clients—and himself. His impact was so profound that legendary managers like Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola openly criticized his tactics, only adding to his mystique.
Following his unexpected passing in April 2022 at the age of 54, many questioned whether his empire could survive. However, his cousin Enzo Raiola and his trusted associate Jose Fortes Rodriguez have ensured that Team Raiola continues to thrive.
Rebuilding Amidst Grief
Mino’s death came as a devastating shock to his family and business.
“We were solely focused on helping him recover. There was no plan for what came next,” Enzo Raiola told BBC Sport. “We had to restructure everything while still grieving, which was extremely difficult.”
At the time, the agency was handling some of the biggest names in football, including Erling Haaland and Paul Pogba, and rivals wasted no time trying to lure away their star clients.
“We had players and media asking about Mino’s health, while other agents were trying to steal our clients,” Enzo recalled. “We had to react fast, all while I was at his side in his final moments.”
Carrying Forward the Raiola Legacy
Despite the turmoil, Team Raiola successfully restructured. Some clients moved to Mino’s former partner, Rafaela Pimenta, while others remained with Enzo and Rodriguez, forming a refreshed operation under the Raiola name.
Enzo describes Mino as a “one-man show”, known for his fierce negotiating style and no-nonsense approach.
“He fought for his players in negotiations and even battled for a better hotel room,” Enzo recalled. “Yet behind closed doors, he had a deeply compassionate side. He cared about his clients like family.”
Although Enzo and Rodriguez share the same protective instincts, they acknowledge they are less outspoken in the media—for now.
Developing the Next Generation of Stars
Mino Raiola was responsible for some of the most high-profile transfers in history, having represented Romelu Lukaku, Matthijs de Ligt, Marcus Thuram, Noussair Mazraoui, and Denzel Dumfries.
During an interview with Enzo, Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma called him—despite requiring 10 staples in his head after an injury the previous night against Monaco.
Much like Mino, Enzo comes from humble beginnings. While Mino started out in his family’s pizza restaurant in the Netherlands, Enzo ran a family car garage near Naples before transitioning to football. He was actively involved in Zlatan Ibrahimović’s 2006 move from Juventus to Inter Milan, one of the agency’s landmark deals.
The modernized Team Raiola now represents Premier League talents such as Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven, Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch, and Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert.
To keep up with football’s evolving landscape, Mino’s son Mario Raiola runs a specialized analytics and media firm supporting the agency with data insights, sponsorship deals, social media, and player branding.
“We want to continue our family-like approach but evolve beyond the one-man show model,” Enzo said. “Clubs rely heavily on data, like Brentford and Brighton. We use analytics to scout new talent in markets where we previously had fewer scouts.”
Scouting Stories: Van de Ven, Gravenberch & Kluivert
Mino’s trusted scout, Jose Fortes Rodriguez, shared insights into three of Team Raiola’s top Premier League clients:
🔹 Micky van de Ven (Tottenham)
“Mino told me, ‘I found an incredible player in the Dutch second division at Volendam.’ At first, I doubted it, but after watching him for 20 minutes, I knew we had to sign him. He had the speed, confidence, and mental strength to succeed in the Premier League.”
🔹 Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool)
“When I first saw him at Ajax, I was blown away. At 14 or 15, I told him he could be one of the world’s best midfielders. He still needs to assert himself more, but his potential is limitless.”
🔹 Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth)
“Everyone knew he had a big career ahead of him when he broke into Ajax’s first team. He’s played in all of Europe’s top leagues and is now proving himself in the Premier League. I’m really happy for him.”
Raiola’s Influence Endures
Mino Raiola may no longer be at the helm, but his legacy lives on through Team Raiola, which continues to dominate the football transfer market.
With Enzo Raiola and Jose Fortes Rodriguez leading the charge, the agency remains one of the most powerful forces in football, ensuring that Mino’s influence endures.
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