KSI Invests in Dagenham & Redbridge and Launches Football Docuseries
British YouTuber and entertainer KSI has made a significant move into the world of football by purchasing a minority stake in Dagenham & Redbridge FC, a club currently competing in the sixth-tier National League South. The 32-year-old internet personality, whose real name is Olajide Olatunji, confirmed his involvement with the club earlier this week, marking a new chapter in his diverse career that spans boxing, music, and television judging roles.
Following in the Footsteps of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney
KSI's investment strategy closely mirrors the approach taken by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney at Wrexham AFC. Similar to the Welsh club's journey documented in the popular Disney+ series 'Welcome to Wrexham,' KSI has announced that he will produce a docuseries titled 'Race To The Top' about his experiences with Dagenham & Redbridge. The series is set to premiere this summer on his YouTube channel, which boasts over 17 million subscribers.
The YouTuber expressed ambitious goals for the club, stating that reaching the Premier League is his ultimate dream. He aims to help Dagenham & Redbridge climb back up the English football pyramid after their relegation last season, which has left them in the bottom half of the National League South table. This vision echoes the transformative aspirations seen at Wrexham, which has risen from the National League to the Championship under Reynolds and McElhenney's ownership.
Behind the Scenes of the Docuseries Production
The 'Race To The Top' docuseries will be produced in collaboration with the award-winning After Party Studios. Cameras will follow KSI as he takes an active role in the club's operations, offering unprecedented access to boardroom meetings, fan interactions, and the daily challenges of running a non-league football team in today's competitive environment. The series will initially air this summer and continue into the 2026/27 season, providing a longitudinal look at the club's progress.
Ben Doyle, also known as RVBBERDUCK, will lead the production. Doyle previously worked with KSI on the documentary 'KSI: Can't Lose,' which chronicled the star's transition from YouTube sensation to professional boxer. Reflecting on the new project, Doyle described it as a "full circle moment," noting that he was immediately drawn to capture KSI's football venture when approached about it last November.
KSI's Personal Connection and Future Aspirations
In a statement, KSI emphasized the personal significance of this investment, calling it a "really big deal" and a "full-circle moment" for fans who have followed his journey from online football gaming content to actual club ownership. He expressed excitement about reuniting with Doyle and After Party Studios to document the highs and lows of this new challenge.
The YouTuber's involvement adds to a growing trend of celebrity investments in lower-league football clubs, blending entertainment with sports management. As Dagenham & Redbridge looks to rebuild and ascend the leagues, KSI's influence and the accompanying docuseries promise to bring increased visibility and potential growth opportunities to the club.
