Lil Wayne is beginning off 2026 by making critical energy strikes together with his Young Money Sports Agency by signing European Footballer Amadou Onana.

The Aston Villa midfielder signed a deal with the entertainment powerhouse to handle his business use of title, picture, and likeness, together with sponsorships and model partnerships.

The settlement positions Onana for world growth, notably within the American market, the place crossover attraction amongst sports activities, music, and style continues to develop quickly.

Young Money Sports Agency, formally referred to as Young Money APAA Sports, launched in 2017 when Lil Wayne partnered with the von Gontard household’s APAA Sports.

The company represents greater than 80 athletes throughout a number of sports activities, together with soccer, basketball, boxing, and softball. The 24-year-old Belgian worldwide brings critical credentials to Young Money’s roster.

Born in Dakar, Senegal, Onana has had a outstanding profession since his skilled debut with Hamburger SV in 2020.

He scored on his debut within the DFB-Pokal towards Dynamo Dresden, saying his arrival with a dramatic 89th-minute header. His performances earned him a transfer to French champions Lille in 2021, and Everton paid over $40 million for Onana’s companies in August 2022, the place he established himself as a Premier League common over two seasons.

Aston Villa secured Onana’s signature for $65 million in July 2024, making him one of the costly defensive midfielders in Premier League historical past.

Onana’s worldwide profession with Belgium has been equally spectacular and he was featured at each the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and Euro 2024 in Germany, enjoying each minute of Belgium’s 4 matches on the European Championship.

Young Money’s current signings reveal their rising affect in skilled sports activities.

The agency made headlines in December 2024 when it secured Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter ahead of his NFL Draft declaration. Hunter’s four-year, $46.65 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars was negotiated by Young Money brokers Adie von Gontard and Ray Haija.

Onana’s signing comes at a pivotal time for soccer’s growth within the U.S.

With the 2026 World Cup approaching and Major League Soccer’s continued development, European stars are more and more seeking to set up their manufacturers within the United States market.

The deal separates Onana’s business illustration from his soccer illustration, permitting Young Money to focus particularly on model partnerships, sponsorships, and advertising alternatives whereas his enjoying contracts stay dealt with by conventional soccer brokers.

Outside soccer, Onana has proven entrepreneurial spirit by releasing rap music beneath the title 24 AM. His debut single “Check On Me” dropped in August 2024.

Related