Can Özata is a Turkish football executive known for his rapid rise from player agency to club management. He was born on February 14, 1990, and holds dual citizenship in England and Turkey. Özata currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman of FK Rabotnicki, a top-division football club based in Skopje, North Macedonia. He is also currently studying masters in football business at University of East London. His career in the football industry has spanned player representation, club administration, and strategic development, making him a notable figure in modern football management.
Early life and education
Can Özata was born into a family of Turkish heritage and raised in England, cultivating a passion for football from a young age. He pursued higher education in the United Kingdom, attending the University of Bolton to build a foundation in sports and business. Equipped with a formal education and bilingual fluency in English and Turkish, Özata was well-positioned to navigate the international football landscape. His multicultural background and education would later prove valuable as he engaged in cross-border football ventures.
Early career in football representation
After graduating, Özata began his professional journey in the football industry as a licensed football agent (intermediary). Operating out of London, he spent several years representing players and negotiating transfers in the English football system. By January 2022, he was officially registered with the English FA as an intermediary, reflecting his active role in player management.
“I used to think being a football agent was stressful” — an experience that gave Özata a strong grounding in contract negotiations and talent management.
This period of working closely with players and clubs honed his understanding of the sport’s commercial and sporting aspects, and he built a network of contacts across Europe. His agency work, including collaboration with firms like Pitchside, allowed him to develop expertise in scouting and talent identification, skills he would carry into his later roles.
Transition to club management
In 2023, Can Özata made a significant career transition from player agency to club management. He became instrumental in the acquisition and restructuring of FK Rabotnicki, one of North Macedonia’s most storied clubs. As part of a new ownership initiative, Özata helped oversee the takeover of Rabotnicki and was subsequently appointed CEO on August 1, 2023. At just 33 years old, he assumed leadership of a club that is the second most successful in Macedonian football history. Alongside the CEO title, he also took on the role of club Chairman, making him the top executive responsible for both the sporting and business operations of Rabotnicki.
Stepping into this position, Özata was aware of the club’s proud history and the high expectations from its supporters. “Managing Rabotnicki over the past year has been both challenging and immensely rewarding,” he reflected after his first year in charge, noting the rich history of the team and the drive to surpass past achievements.
Leadership of FK Rabotnicki: achievements and initiatives
Under Can Özata’s leadership, FK Rabotnicki has undergone a notable resurgence. In the 2023–24 season, his first at the helm, the club stabilized its performance in the Macedonian First League. By the following 2024–25 season, Rabotnicki made a significant leap up the standings, finishing third in the league after back-to-back eighth-place finishes in the two years prior. This top-three finish marked the club’s best league result in nearly a decade and qualified Rabotnicki for European competition qualifiers.
“We’ve focused heavily on our youth academy, which consistently produces top-tier talent.”
Özata also launched a comprehensive plan to modernize the club’s infrastructure and operations, investing in upgraded training facilities, expanding scouting networks, and developing youth players as part of a long-term sustainable model. His international approach broadened Rabotnicki’s reach, with scouting in Africa and the Caribbean, and use of transfer platforms like TransferRoom.
Contributions and style
Can Özata’s approach to football management combines business acumen with a deep understanding of the game’s grassroots development. Having been an agent, he brought negotiation skills and a network of contacts in the global football market to his role as CEO. Internally, colleagues describe Özata as a forward-thinking executive who is hands-on with all aspects of club operations, from budgeting to youth training.
Personal and professional legacy
Though still in the midst of his career, Can Özata’s trajectory offers a compelling story of a new generation of football executive. He bridges multiple cultures — Turkish, British, and now Macedonian — and multiple facets of the sport, from player representation to club leadership. This well-rounded background has enabled him to make thoughtful contributions to the clubs and people he works with.
In summary, Can Özata’s biography reflects a dynamic career devoted to football. From his early days in England learning the ropes of the business to guiding a Balkan club to renewed success, Özata exemplifies the modern football industry professional who wears many hats. As FK Rabotnicki’s CEO and chairman, he has already achieved notable milestones in club performance and youth development, and he continues to push for innovation in scouting and club management.
Our exclusive interview with Can Özata
Who is Can Özata outside of football? What motivates you personally and how do you unwind from the demands of the sport?
Outside of football, I’m above all a family man. My family keeps me grounded and constantly reminds me of what’s truly important in life…
Who are the most influential figures in sports who have shaped your thinking or inspired your approach to leadership?
Muhammad Ali has always inspired me… In football, Sir Alex Ferguson has been a major influence…
FK Rabotnicki made a significant jump in league performance under your leadership. What were the key changes behind this turnaround?
The turnaround began with embedding a new culture across the entire club… A key factor was the mindset shift…
You’ve emphasized youth development and scouting in emerging markets. What do you look for when identifying talent for a club like Rabotnicki?
At Rabotnicki, we look for more than just raw talent… In emerging markets, there’s often untapped potential…
Running a club in North Macedonia comes with financial constraints. How do you balance competitiveness with sustainability?
The key is having a clear strategy and staying disciplined… We’ve built a model that prioritises sustainability…
What are your future plans and goals, both personally and professionally within the football industry?
Professionally, my long-term goal is to become a Technical Director at the highest level… Personally, I aim to keep learning and growing…
