The Daniel Levy era in Tottenham Hotspur is officially over. After almost 25 years as executive president, Levy resigned, closing a chapter that redefined the club, but not so much on the field. Appointed in 2001 after the taking of ENIC control, Levy chaired the transformation of the spurs of regulars at the Table of the Premier League into one of the most powerful clubs in Europe.
Under his direction, Tottenham moved to a stadium of 1.2 billion sterling pounds at the cutting edge of technology, has always qualified for European football and has attracted a world fans base. However, despite these undeniable commercial achievements, the frustration of supporters has increased over the years.
The songs of “Levy Out” have become a familiar soundtrack at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in recent seasons, and its position has finally become untenable. Why did fans turned against the man who made Spurs a financial giant? And what does his departure for the future of the club mean?
The fall of Levy
For Tottenham fans, Levy’s reign has become defined not by what was achieved, but by what was not. Despite the club’s financial growth, the trophies remained painfully rare. In 23 years as president, the Spurs noted only two major honors: the 2008 League Cup under Juande Ramos and the Europa League in 2025 under Angel Postoccolou.
Meanwhile, their rivals jumped. Manchester City and Chelsea were transformed by investment, Liverpool rebuilt under Jurgen Klopp, and Arsenal rebounded by decline with a new identity under Mikel Arteta. Tottenham, meanwhile, saw the promise but no gain. Under Mauricio Pocsettino, the Spurs reached the Champions League final in 2019, finished second in the Premier League in 2016-17 with 86 points, and qualified for the Champions League four times in five years. But they failed when it counted the most – with silverware on the line.
Since this peak, the decline has been striking. Tottenham has not finished in the top four since 2021-222, and 17th place in last season was their worst in the era of the Premier League.
Supporters have tired of the quasi-rare and a lack of perceived ambition. Levy’s decision to dismiss Pocsettino, followed by chaotic managerial meetings – Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte – has only launched dissatisfaction. Fans have started to see it as an obstacle to success rather than a catalyst.
A prosperous businessman
The credit must however be granted where it is due. Levy’s business sense is indisputable. When he supported, the Spurs were assessed at less than 100 million pounds sterling. Today, according to Forbes, they are worth more than 2.5 billion pounds sterling, ranking among the 10 most precious clubs in world football.
The jewel of the crown of his reign is undoubtedly the Tottenham Hotspur stadium. Opened in 2019, it is widely considered to be one of the best football places in the world, with a capacity of 62,850, advanced facilities and the ability to host games, concerts and other NFL events. The stadium is at the heart of the commercial growth of the Spurs, generating match revenues of more than 100 million pounds sterling per season.
Levy also positioned Tottenham as regulars in European competition. The Spurs qualified for the Champions League six times during its mandate, reaching at least the quarter -finals three times. Even in the Europa League, they were coherent participants, keeping the club visible on the continental scene.
From the point of view of companies, Levy passed Tottenham from a sleeping giant to a world brand. However, football is more than balance sheets. For many fans, the lack of trophies means that his achievements feel covered. Its commercial vision has reached its ceiling – and without sporting success, the brand risks stagnation.
Keep a help
Where Levy really lost the fans base was in its management of football operations. He acquired a reputation as a ruthless negotiator, often congratulated for extracting the maximum costs for outgoing players. However, this same approach has become a responsibility on the transfer market.
Accords for incoming players are frequently blocked or collapsed. Tottenham became known for leaving the signatures until the end of the window or completely missing. In 2022, Antonio Conte publicly called the support after a lack of reinforcements. Same Pochettino admitted in 2018 that the Spurs were “courageous” by making no signature, a decision widely criticized with hindsight. Mail Ebelechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White this summer added only fuel to the fire.
Another ending point was bonding. For years, the Spurs worked with one of the lowest salary / income ratios of the Premier League, which makes it difficult to attract and keep the best talents. Christian Eriksen, Kyle Walker and others finally went in search of more important contracts elsewhere.
All these fan demonstrations have fueled. The “Levy Out” banners were posted during the matches, and the songs against the president have become stronger with each sub-performance season. What once resembled strong financial governance has become considered a pinch that cost the chance to compete with the elite of England.
Takeover waiting?
Levy’s resignation also raises questions about the club’s property. The ENIC group, led by Joe Lewis to its recent legal problems, remains the majority shareholder. With Levy Gone, speculation is intensifying if new investors could be on the horizon.
The public investment fund of Saudi Arabia, owner of Newcastle United, has been linked to other Premier League clubs. American investment capital companies are also increasingly active in football, with recent takeover in Chelsea, Manchester United (Part-Buy) and Bournemouth. Tottenham, with its world class stadium and its location in London, is an attractive perspective.
Stade denomination rights have also been a long -standing problem. Levy concluded agreements with major companies, but no agreement has been finalized, although the stadium was opened for more than six years. A new management team can prioritize this, potentially unlocking tens of millions per year in commercial income.
Whether it is doubled on its control or sells for external investors, Levy’s exit suggests that the change is coming. Fans will be impatient to see if it leads to greater ambition on the field, not just stability.
A new era
For some, the resignation withdrawal was a surprise. For others, it seemed inevitable. Tottenham had reached a crossroads: commercially strong but competitively restricted, admired for their stadium but made fun of their lack of trophies. A change at the top was necessary to reset the club management.
Levy leaves a complicated heritage. He made financially in security, recognized worldwide and gave them a home home for the 21st century. However, he failed to deliver what fans want the most – success in the field. His cautious approach, his control of the conference room and his missed opportunities meant that if Tottenham grew up as a brand, they never became coherent winners.
Now, with a new leadership potentially opening the door to investment and a new approach, Spurs have the possibility of redefining themselves. If the next era favors the ambition of football to match the tax on the commercial infrastructure built – and for which it should be fully credited – then Tottenham could finally be ready to compete with the largest clubs in Europe.
For supporters who campaigned for change, Levy’s resignation looks like the end of an era – but perhaps more importantly, the start of a new
