The online personality, born Olajide Olayinka Williams "JJ" Olatunji, has announced via his social media channels that he is buying a non-league English club, seeking to take the team to the Premier League for the very first time.
After rising to prominence as an early video game streamer, playing under the moniker 'KSIOlajidebt' - later shortened to KSI - the Londoner established a global online presence which he has leveraged to create a personal fortune estimated to be worth in the tens of millions.
KSI has tried his hand at boxing, as a recording artist and in the entrepreneurial world, utilising his experience of the online space to help create buzz and build popular brands, such as PRIME energy drink.
KSI wants to take sixth tier club to the Premier League
Harking back to his early days as a FIFA YouTuber, KSI's 'Race To Division One' series is referenced in his unveiling video at non-league side Dagenham and Redbridge. The project, undertaken on football video game 'FIFA 12', saw KSI rise through the online leagues against other players.
"Playing a video game and owning a football club is very different, I know that. But with 'Race to Division One', it was a journey. It was hard, but in the end I did it.
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/GosGKRtPR6March 3, 2026
"With this club, I want to do the unthinkable - I want to take Dagenham and Redbridge to the Premier League," he said.
The Daggers currently sit 13th in the National League South table and have recently received investment from former England striker Andy Carroll, who has also made the occasional appearance this season.
"It's obviously going to take time but I'd say realistic stage is getting out of this league and getting into the National League. We need to improve the team, have some additions to really take it to another level and I want to build the community," KSI added.
"I know to some of you it might be scary, me being one of the owners but I'm reachable. You can literally Tweet me and I will see it. You can let your frustrations out to me or celebrate with me, I'm approachable.
"I've done boxing, music, YouTube content, I've done TV stuff, I've been around the world, done tours, I'm a man that does whatever I want. You can't ever stop wanting more."
After formation in 1992 following the merging of Dagenham and Redbridge Forest, the Daggers were promoted to the Football League for the first time in 2007, winning promotion to League One - the third tier of English football - in 2010.
The club dropped back into non-league in 2016 and have spent the last 10 years in the National League and National League South.
KSI's takeover follows the likes of other high-profile figures investing in lower league clubs such as Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds' ongoing Wrexham project.
