Who is Daniel Kretinsky? West Ham's Czech billionaire backing Nuno | OneFootball

Dubbed the ‘Czech Sphinx’, Daniel Kretinsky is enjoying growing influence at the Hammers

West Ham director and major shareholder Daniel Kretinsky is becoming an increasingly influential figure around the club and was the man supposedly at the centre of backing manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

After lengthy talks this week, Nuno is set to lead West Ham into the Championship next season.

West Ham’s board were split over whether they should part company with Nuno, but Kretinsky’s influence reportedly convinced them to stick with the Portuguese coach.

But who is Kretinsky, and why does he seemingly want more control over a club that will be playing Championship football for the first time in 14 years next season?

Daniel Kretinsky

AFP via Getty Images

Who is West Ham's Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky?

The Czech billionaire, dubbed the “Czech Sphinx” due to his low-profile approach to business, made his fortune across a number of industries, from media to coal and gas. He also became the largest stakeholder in British supermarket chain Sainsbury’s in December 2025.

Formerly a lawyer, he first came to attention in the UK after buying a 27 per cent stake in West Ham in 2021, in a deal which includes an option to buy the club outright.

Kretinsky has also been the chairman of his boyhood club, 37-time Czech champions Sparta Prague, since 2004.

He became the first foreign owner of the British postal service, Royal Mail, in December 2024.

The 49-year-old is said to be “obsessed” with British culture, and his financial ties to the country suggest his involvement in West Ham is long-term.

Daniel Kretinsky celebrating West Ham’s Conference League win

AFP via Getty Images

Kretinsky rarely speaks publicly about West Ham, but in helping to convince the club to keep Nuno, it is clear his influence is growing ahead of a potential takeover bid.

The Irons are set for a difficult summer, with the club needing to raise funds following their relegation to the Championship.

After a 14-year stay in the Premier League, West Ham are expected to oversee wholesale changes to the way the club is run this summer.

Kretinsky has positioned himself at the centre of these plans and appears to have both the financial capital and influence to launch a full-scale takeover should Sullivan decide to step away after 16 years at the club.