Steven Zhang, also known as Zhang Kangyang, is the former president of Inter Milan and the son of Suning Group founder Zhang Jindong. As of 2026, his financial situation has changed dramatically due to the collapse of Suning’s international business strategy and the loss of control over Inter Milan. Once associated with billion-dollar assets and one of Europe’s most valuable football clubs, Zhang is no longer considered part of China’s billionaire class, and his net worth has significantly declined.
As of mid-2026, Steven Zhang’s estimated net worth is believed to be extremely low compared to his peak years. Most financial assessments place him under $1 million or in the low single-digit millions at most. This is a sharp contrast to the period when he was linked to Suning’s multi-billion-dollar valuation and Inter Milan’s ownership structure, which at one point was valued at over €1 billion under Suning’s control. His current financial status reflects a near-total loss of the assets that previously defined his wealth.
The most important turning point in Zhang’s financial decline came in May 2024 when Oaktree Capital Management took control of Inter Milan. This happened after Suning failed to repay a loan of approximately €395 million. The loan had been secured using Inter Milan shares as collateral. When repayment was not completed on time, ownership of the club automatically transferred to the lender. This resulted in Zhang losing his position as president and the removal of the most valuable international asset tied to his name.
Inter Milan Presidency Rise of Suning Empire Collapse and Zhang’s Financial Downfall Explained
Inter Milan had been a central part of Zhang’s public identity and financial portfolio. He became president of the club in 2018 at just 26 years old, making him one of the youngest leaders in top European football. During his tenure, Inter achieved major sporting success, including a Serie A title, Coppa Italia wins, and a UEFA Champions League final appearance. However, despite these achievements, the financial structure behind the club was heavily dependent on debt financing provided by Suning. When Suning’s financial condition weakened, the club’s stability also came under pressure.
The collapse of Suning Holdings Group played a major role in Zhang’s financial downfall. Suning was once one of China’s largest private enterprises, operating across retail, technology, and e-commerce sectors. However, starting in 2021, the company began facing severe financial stress. This was caused by a combination of rising debt levels, reduced consumer spending, regulatory restrictions on overseas investments, and the broader impact of the economic slowdown in China. These factors significantly reduced Suning’s liquidity and ability to support international ventures such as Inter Milan.
At its peak, Suning was valued at tens of billions of dollars and was considered a major global retail powerhouse. Zhang, as a senior executive and heir to the controlling family, benefited from this valuation. However, as the company’s financial health deteriorated, its global investments became increasingly difficult to maintain. The inability to refinance debt and sustain international operations eventually led to asset losses and restructuring measures that directly affected Zhang’s personal wealth.
In addition to corporate losses, Zhang also faced legal and financial disputes. In 2022, a Hong Kong court ruled that he was liable for more than $225 million in debt obligations. This ruling added significant pressure to his financial situation and highlighted the scale of liabilities connected to Suning’s broader financial structure. While some related cases were later resolved or dismissed, the legal challenges contributed to uncertainty around his financial standing and reduced his credibility in international finance circles.
Following the loss of Inter Milan in 2024, Zhang stepped away from public football leadership. He no longer holds any executive position in European sports and has significantly reduced his public visibility. His departure marked the end of Suning’s ownership era in Italian football and closed a high-profile chapter in his career. Since then, he has shifted toward a more private lifestyle and lower-profile business activity.
Steven Zhang’s Private Investments Career Shift and Declining Wealth After Inter Milan Exit
As of 2026, Zhang is believed to be involved in private investment and advisory roles. These include interests in technology, digital commerce, and financial consulting. However, these activities are not publicly structured or linked to major corporate control. Unlike his previous role as a football club president and international business executive, his current engagements are more limited in scale and influence.
Despite his financial decline, Zhang remains a figure of interest in global business and sports discussions. His early career was marked by rapid ascent, strong international education, and access to one of China’s most influential business empires. He studied at the Wharton School in the United States and worked at Morgan Stanley before joining Suning. This background positioned him as a modern global executive capable of bridging Eastern and Western business environments.
However, the combination of corporate debt, failed refinancing efforts, and asset losses ultimately reversed much of this early success. The Inter Milan takeover by Oaktree symbolized the final stage of Suning’s international contraction and marked a decisive end to Zhang’s most visible source of wealth.
Steven Zhang’s net worth in 2026 reflects one of the most significant financial declines among modern sports executives. From overseeing a billion-euro football club and representing a global retail empire, he has transitioned into a low-profile investor with minimal confirmed wealth. His estimated net worth of under $1 million to a few million dollars highlights the impact of leveraged ownership structures and corporate debt on personal fortunes. His story now stands as an example of how quickly wealth linked to global business expansion can disappear when financial conditions change.
