KSI has completed the purchase of Dagenham & Redbridge and immediately set his sights on taking the club to the Premier League.
The 32-year-old influencer turned entrepreneur confirmed the takeover this week, describing the move as the start of a “rollercoaster” journey and outlining ambitions that stretch from the National League South all the way to the top flight.
KSI, born Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, has built a global profile through YouTube, music and boxing, amassing more than 50 million followers across his platforms. Having retired from boxing earlier this year, he has now turned his attention to English football with the acquisition of Dagenham & Redbridge.
In a video filmed at Victoria Road, KSI laid out both the emotion behind the move and the scale of his ambition.
“I’m so excited to start this journey. It’s gonna be a rollercoaster for sure but I hope to bring Dagenham and Redbridge back to the glory days.
“For those of you that are OG fans (Race to Division One), you’ll know that this is a full circle moment for me.
“So join me on this exhilarating adventure and I’ll see you all at Victoria Road this Saturday! I’ll be streaming too haha.”
The immediate aim is clear, promotion out of the National League South. The longer-term vision is far bolder.
“With this club, I want to do the unthinkable. I want to take Dagenham and Redbridge to the Premier League.
“It’s obviously going to take time, but I’d say the realistic goal is getting out of this league and entering the National League.”
I’m so excited to start this journey. It’s gonna be a rollercoaster for sure but I hope to bring Dagenham and Redbridge (@Dag_RedFC) back to the glory days. For those of you that are OG fans (Race to Division One), you’ll know that this is a full circle moment for me. So join me… pic.twitter.com/GosGKRtPR6
— ksi (@KSI) March 3, 2026
Dagenham currently sit 13th in the sixth tier after 35 matches, with 49 points from 13 wins, ten draws and 12 defeats. They were relegated from League Two in 2016 and dropped out of the National League last season, meaning the climb back to the Football League alone is a significant challenge.
KSI acknowledged the scale of the task, stressing that investment in the squad and connection with supporters will be central to his approach.
“We need to improve the team, make some additions that really take it to another level, and I want to build the community.
“You guys have been here way longer than I have, and I know to some of you it might be scary, me being one of the owners, but I am reachable.
“I’m gonna do everything I can to make sure we succeed.”
The announcement follows news that former Premier League striker Andy Carroll has also become a shareholder, adding further intrigue to a club suddenly thrust into the national spotlight.
Gimmick, or realistic?
A Premier League promise from a side currently mid-table in the sixth tier may sound fanciful, but the commercial power behind the project is undeniable. Whether the Daggers can translate global attention into sustained progress on the pitch will define this new era. For now, the ambition has been set. The Premier League has been named. The journey, as KSI calls it, starts in the National League South.
Fans might be concerned that this is a gimmick for the star to raise his profile, rather than a deep-seated ambition to see the Daggers climb the pyramid, but only time will tell. One thing is for sure – the Hollywood connection did wonders for Wrexham, the power of digital promotion saw them earn three back-to-back promotions. Can the marketing reach of KSI do the same for Dagenham?