Super Agent Mino Raiola dies aged 54: Football agent who represented Pogba, Ibrahimovic, Haaland & more passes away
The 54-year-old, representing players such as Paul Pogba, Erling Haaland, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, was reported to have died in Italian media on Thursday afternoon
Super agent Mino feared by clubs loved by playersThe Raiola family released a statement saying, "In unfathomable grief, we share the passing of the most loving and outstanding football agent there ever was."
"Mino fought until the end with the same strength he put on negotiation tables to defend our players". As usual, Mino made us proud and never realised it.
"Mino touched so many lives through his work and wrote a new chapter in modern football history". His presence will forever be missed.
"Mino's mission of making football a better place for players will continue with the same passion."
Following Mino Raiola's unfortunate death, his stable of footballing superstars will be handed over to his cousin and a Brazilian lawyer.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba, and Erling Haaland were among the high-profile players handled by the Italian-Dutch agent, one of the most influential and well-known individuals in world football.
Raiola, who assisted Pogba and Haaland in their recent signings to Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund, has received personal tributes from Pogba and Haaland. With Pogba's contract at Old Trafford expiring and Haaland's release clause coming into effect, the two appear to be moving again this summer.
After making it apparent that Pogba was unlikely to sign a new contract and speaking with potential bidders for his Norwegian client, Raiola had laid the stage for possible transfers this summer.
Raiola began working as an agent four decades ago, after being born in Italy but moving to the Netherlands as a child.
Before going on a long path to becoming one of football's most influential agents, he began his career at his family's pizzeria in the old city.
He would regularly butt into conversations between the directors of local side Haarlem FC, whose board would dine at the pizzeria at least once a week, offering his opinion on the club's state whether or not he was asked.
Raiola spent a short time as a technical director at Haarlem before joining Sports Promotions, which specialises in bringing high-profile Dutch players to Italy.