Michele Kang Makes History With an Award No Woman Had Ever Won
The American businesswoman has broken another barrier in football and will be honored during the 10th edition of the WFS Awards in Madrid.
Michele Kang has made history by becoming the first woman to win the WFS Award for Best Executive, one of the honors presented by World Football Summit to individuals and organizations whose work has made a significant impact across the football industry.
The founder of Kynisca and President of Olympique Lyonnais will receive the award on September 15, during the opening day of WFS Madrid 2026. Kang will also take the stage that day for an exclusive fireside chat moderated by Chad Biagini, President of Excel Search & Advisory.
The achievement carries even greater significance considering the names that have previously received the award. Kang joins a prestigious list that includes Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, Fernando Carro, Ferran Soriano and Aleksander Čeferin, among other leading executives in world football.
A revolution that began in women’s football
Kang’s journey in football began in 2020 when she joined the ownership group of the Washington Spirit in the National Women’s Soccer League. Two years later, she became the club’s controlling owner.
Her project continued to expand. In 2023, she reached an agreement with OL Groupe to bring the club’s women’s team, now known as OL Lyonnes, into a separate entity under her majority ownership. She subsequently acquired London City Lionesses.
In 2024, Kang took another major step by launching Kynisca, the first multi-club platform dedicated exclusively to women’s football, further establishing a model designed around the growth and professionalization of the women’s game.
Her influence now extends to Olympique Lyonnais
Kang’s influence eventually expanded into the men’s game as well. In June 2025, she became President of Olympique Lyonnais and Chairperson and CEO of Eagle Football Group, S.A., the club’s parent company.
A year later, in June 2026, she acquired a controlling stake of nearly 88% in Eagle Football Group, further strengthening her position at one of French football’s most historic clubs.
The WFS Awards jury, made up of senior executives from some of the world’s leading clubs and federations, specifically highlighted her ability to transform complex organizations, deliver immediate sporting results and simultaneously build sustainable projects with a long-term vision.
“Being the first woman makes it especially meaningful”
Kang emphasized the significance of the honor, particularly becoming the first woman to receive it.
“I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition, especially knowing the extraordinary leaders who have come before me,” Kang said.
“To receive this recognition for my work across football, and to be the first woman to receive the award, is especially meaningful. I hope it also reflects the growing role women are playing in leading and shaping football at every level.”
For World Football Summit, Kang’s recognition also carries special meaning as it comes during the 10th anniversary of the awards. Marian Otamendi, CEO of World Football Summit, highlighted how Kang’s journey embodies the importance of elevating female leadership in sports management.
CPKC Stadium also makes history
Kang will not be the only winner connected to the continued growth of women’s football. CPKC Stadium, home of the Kansas City Current, received the WFS Award for Best Stadium Experience.
The venue represents a major milestone as the first stadium in the world built exclusively for a professional women’s football team, an achievement recognized by the organization when selecting this year’s winner.
Other honorees include Iker Ruiz, creator of Elefutbol, as Best Content Creator; Como Gaming Club, from Como 1907, as Best Fan-Centric Initiative; and Claire Bloomfield, from World Sevens, with the Woman in Leadership award.
All WFS Awards 2026 winners
The WFS Awards 2026 recognize projects and individuals across leadership, digital transformation, innovation, gender equality and social impact in football.
- Best Content Creator: Iker Ruiz
- Best Digital Transformation Initiative: Revolutionising the Saudi Sports and Football Ecosystem
- Best Executive: Michele Kang
- Best Fan-Centric Initiative: Como Gaming Club
- Best Gender Equality Initiative: Girls United: Reimagining Football for Every Girl
- Best Growth Strategy: PLAYBACK Sports AI
- Best Stadium Experience: CPKC Stadium
- Eli Wolff Football Without Limits: South Sudan Blind Football
- Football for Good: Moving the Goalposts
- Most Innovative Supplier: Trajektory
- Woman in Leadership: Claire Bloomfield
The trophies will be presented on September 15 at Teatro Eslava in Madrid, during a gala hosted by Georgina Léger. The winner of the WFS Award for a Career Honouring the Essence of the Game will also be revealed for the first time during the ceremony.
3 Key Takeaways From Michele Kang’s Historic Award
- A barrier broken: Michele Kang is the first woman in history to win the WFS Award for Best Executive.
- A growing football empire: her projects span Kynisca, OL Lyonnes, London City Lionesses, Washington Spirit and her leadership of Olympique Lyonnais.
- Madrid awaits: Kang will receive the award on September 15 at WFS Madrid 2026, where she will also appear as a guest speaker.
