About Us

Nwankwo Kanu

Since making his football debut at 15, Nigerian born Nwankwo Kanu – or Kanu for short - has amassed an impressive collection of medals. A glimpse back over the Portsmouth player's history makes it easy to see why he is nicknamed 'Papillo,' The King.

At 17, Kanu was signed by Ajax, where he sealed three Dutch titles and a European Cup. That same year, he captained Nigeria to an Olympic Gold Medal. Then, in 1999, he moved to Arsenal where he stayed for seven years, scoring a double Premier League win and a FA Cup title. He added a second FA Cup to his trophy list under Portsmouth, while personal accolades include two African Footballer of the Year Awards.

Off the pitch, Kanu was diagnosed with a heart defect during the 1990s. After recovering from four hours of heart surgery, he set up his own charity; the Kanu Heart Foundation. He is as famous throughout Africa for his philanthropic work, as he is for his excellent striking skills.

Kanu is The First Team's newest member and a property owner at The Diamond in Dubai Sports City.

Top

Michael Owen

Football legend Michael Owen was destined for the top ever since he burst into Liverpool's first team aged just 17. A year later his legendary solo goal against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup made a global audience realise his incredible talents. Since then he has gone on to establish himself as one of the finest strikers of his generation. He has scored goals prolifically in a glittering career with Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle. On the 3rd July 2009, it was announced that Owen had signed a two-year deal with Premier League champions, Manchester United.

Michael has a string of major football accolades to his name and has been voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year, Carling Premiership Player of the Year and Premier League joint top scorer two years running and the recipient of the Ballon d'Or in 2001. He then went on to play for England in Euro 2000, the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004, scoring goals in all three tournaments. This makes him the only player ever to have scored in four major tournaments for England. With a tally of 40 international goals, he has ensured legendary status in the history of English football.

A frequent Dubai visitor, Michael is a proud member of The First Team and an owner at The First Group's Dubai Sports City projects, The Diamond and The Bridge.

Top

Svetlana Kuznetsóva

At the age of just 24, Russian tennis ace Svetlána is firmly established as one of the world's top players – currently ranked World Number 5. She has two Grand Slam titles under her belt, having clinched the 2009 French Open Singles and the 2004 US Open with a win over compatriot Elena Dementieva. She also narrowly missed out at the 2006 French Open and the 2007 US Open, finishing runner-up in both. In the 2005 Australian Open she teamed up with Alicia Molik at the event to win the first Grand Slam doubles title of her career, defeating Lindsay Davenport and Corina Morariu in the in final.

Sporting achievement has certainly proved a pivotal part of the Kuznetsóva genes. Growing up, Svetlána watched her family excel on the international cycling circuit. Her father coached five Olympic champions, and her mother was a six-time world champion and holder of 20 world records. But after finding cycling boring, Svetlána turned to tennis and quickly became a household name in the sport.

Svetlána is the first female member of The First Team and owner at The Matrix, one of The First Group's luxury Dubai Sports City projects.

Top

Bryan Habana

Bryan Gary Habana's legendary speed has earned him some of the highest praise in the world of rugby. Named after former Manchester United footballers Bryan Robson and Gary Bailey, the South African first played as a scrum half and outside centre, before moving to wing. Here, his explosive pace shone through and he went on to play for the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup and the Bulls in Super 14.

It was in 2007 that Bryan shot to global fame as he made a significant contribution to the Springboks' victory in the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

Hailed as one of the tournament's major stars, Habana scored eight tries to equal Jonah Lomu's 1999 record. He went on to become the 2007 IRB Player of the Year. Widely dubbed the fastest man in rugby, Habana's astonishing pace was famously proven when he raced a cheetah – the world's fastest animal – for charity.

As one of the newest members of The First Team, Habana is a proud owner at Metro Central.

Top

Andriy Shevchenko

At the age of just ten, Ukrainian icon Andriy Shevchenko was spotted by his country's top club, Dynamo Kyiv. After making his senior debut in 1992, he carved a name on the European scene, thanks largely to an explosive hat-trick against Barcelona during the 1997-98 Champions League.

Before long, Italian giants AC Milan snapped up Shevchenko for a world record fee, and his 24-goal total in his first season cemented his status as one of the world's most dangerous forwards. He is only the fifth player in Champions League history to score four goals in one game, and is ranked the fourth-highest scorer in the history of European club competition with 61 goals. Shevchenko's career has been highlighted by many awards, the most prestigious of which were the Ballon d'Or in 2004 and the UEFA Champions League in 2003 with Milan. Along with this, he has won various league and cup titles in Ukraine, Italy, and England. Besides the Golden Ball, Shevchenko was awarded other individual awards. In 2006, Shevchenko moved to Chelsea, whom he helped to win the FA Cup, before returning to Milan in 2008.

On 28 August 2009 Andriy signed a two-year deal at his former club Dynamo Kyiv and scored a penalty-goal in his first game.

Andriy is a proud member of The First Team and a property owner at Metro Central, The First Group's exclusive hotel apartments.

Top