Major European football clubs such as Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Internazionale and AC Milan expressed their condolences on Twitter. “A charismatic sports agent passed away today after an illness. The club, through its chairman, expresses its condolences to his family and friends,” said the Parisian top club PSG.
Raiola, born in Italy but raised in Haarlem, was one of the most influential players’ agents in the world. He was the agent of famous football players such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Erling Haaland, Paul Pogba, Matthijs de Ligt and other Dutch internationals such as Denzel Dumfries, Donyell Malen, Ryan Gravenberch and Owen Wijndal. He also looked after the interests of Ajax players Noussair Mazraoui and Brian Brobbey.
PSV also responded via Twitter. “PSV is very shocked by the death of agent Mino Raiola. We wish his loved ones, family and friends strength in the loss and thank him for what he has done for our club and many of our players. Rest in peace Mino.” The KNVB also reacted shocked. “We wish the relatives a lot of strength with this loss.”
Norwegian striker Haaland, one of today’s most sought-after players, posted a photo of him with Raiola on his Instagram account as a tribute. “The best,” was the short caption. Previously, his father Alfie, who is also involved in the contract negotiations, had done the same. Haaland scored a hat-trick for Borussia Dortmund against VfL Bochum on Saturday.