Italian side Como 1907 has emerged as one of European football’s most ambitious growth stories, as its Indonesian owners celebrate seven years at the helm with nearly €300 million invested since 2019.
When the Hartono family acquired the club on April 4, 2019, Como were competing in Italy’s fourth tier, Serie D. Fast forward to 2026, and the club is not only firmly established in Serie A, but is also pushing for a historic qualification to the UEFA Champions League.
A Billionaire-Backed Transformation
The transformation has been driven by Indonesian billionaires Robert Budi Hartono and the late Michael Hartono, whose family is widely regarded as the richest ownership group in Italian football.
Club president Mirwan Suwarso marked the anniversary with a social media post reflecting on the journey:
“April 4, 2019. The adventure began in Serie D. What an extraordinary journey it has been.”
Heavy Financial Backing
Como’s rapid ascent has required significant financial support. According to the club’s latest available accounts for the 2024/25 season, the club reported a €105 million net loss, underlining the scale of investment needed to sustain growth.
To stabilize finances, the ownership injected more than €202 million between that season and the early months of 2025/26.
Nearly €300 Million Total Investment
Looking at the full period since the takeover:
- €228.27 million was invested between 2019/20 and 2024/25
- €69.2 million was added between July and November 2025
- Total funding reached approximately €297.43 million
This figure includes capital injections, shareholder contributions, and related-party revenues, alongside a modest €200,000 acquisition cost for the club itself.
From Survival to European Ambition
What began as a rescue mission in the lower leagues has evolved into a long-term project with elite aspirations. Como’s trajectory mirrors a growing trend in European football: strategic, high-capital ownership groups targeting rapid competitive and commercial growth.
With sustained investment and sporting progress, Como now stands on the brink of one of the most remarkable climbs in modern Italian football—from Serie D obscurity to potential Champions League nights.