World Football Summit gathers Cannavaro, Ferdinand, Puyol, Zanetti and other icons of the beautiful game to prove Asia’s potential in its first event in the city.
MADRID / HONG KONG June 2025 — The future of football is being written in Asia. And it starts in Hong Kong.
World Football Summit (WFS) is set to redefine the global football landscape with its inaugural Hong Kong summit on September 3rd-4th, marking a pivotal moment where technology, culture, and strategic vision converge at the heart of Asia’s football revolution.
As the Asian football market surges to a remarkable USD 7.187 billion, with digital engagement breaking records and investment opportunities expanding, this summit represents a critical junction in the sport’s global narrative. For instance, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has witnessed a 20% growth in digital followers, with website page views exploding by 258%—a testament to a market on the brink of unprecedented transformation.
“Our Hong Kong summit transcends a traditional conference,” explains Jan Alessie, Co-founder and Managing Director at World Football Summit. “We’re creating a global platform where football’s most innovative minds will explore how East and West can reshape the beautiful game’s future.”
The inaugural WFS Hong Kong, proudly supported by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, is designed to provide a platform where football legends meet tech innovators. Where East meets West. Where digital transformation isn’t just discussed—it’s demonstrated.
Part of the lineup reads like a football hall of fame, given the caliber of the legends that have confirmed their participation so far.
1. Rio Ferdinand, Manchester United legend
2. Fabio Cannavaro, 2006 Ballon d’Or winner, member of the 2006 World Cup-winning team
3. John Terry, Chelsea FC legend
4. Javier Zanetti, Inter Milan Vice President and legend
5. Carles Puyol, Barcelona legend and member of the 2010 World Cup-winning team
6. Davor Suker, former Croatian FA President, 1998 WC Golden Boot
7. Fabio Capello, former football coach and player
8. Pierluigi Collina, legendary referee and Chairman of the FIFA Referee Committee
In addition, other football industry titans such as Romy Gai (FIFA), John Sharkey (Kai Tak Sports Park), Ramón Calderón (Former President at Real Madrid), or Allan Zeman (Lan Kwai Fong Group), will join the event.
The full lineup of speakers will dive deep into the most critical questions facing football:
– How do digital technologies redefine fan experiences?
– What are the new investment models in sports?
– How can clubs leverage eSports and emerging technologies?
The general summit themes are razor-sharp:
– Fan Engagement in the Digital Age
– Football’s Cultural Crossroads
– East and West: Reimagining Football Relationships
– Digital Transformation and Innovation
“Hong Kong represents a unique gateway between global football markets,” added Filipe Gonçalves, Chairman at Asia Partners, co-organizers of the event. “This summit is not just an event—it’s a strategic bridge connecting diverse football ecosystems, positioning Asia at the forefront of the sport’s next evolution.”
From broadcasting innovations to sustainable business models, from talent development to cross-continental investments, the WFS Hong Kong summit will provide an unparalleled platform for connection, insight, and strategic thinking. With an expected attendance of 3,000 international industry professionals and more than 100 speakers, the event promises to be a defining moment in football’s global evolution.
A dedicated fan zone will transform the event from a conference into a celebration. Interactive experiences, gaming, football skills competitions, classic memorabilia—this is where strategy meets passion.
Global football summit brought to Hong Kong for the first time, proudly supported by the Hong Kong Tourism Board
World Football Summit Hong Kong 2025 is proudly supported by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, aiming to elevate the city’s positioning as a premier destination for global sports business and innovation.
By supporting WFS, the Hong Kong Tourism Board reaffirms its commitment to attracting world-class international events and leveraging the power of football to enhance the city’s global appeal, economic development, and regional influence within the Greater Bay Area.
This partnership highlights the shared vision of making Hong Kong a central hub for the future of the sports industry in Asia and beyond.
Event Details:
– Date: 3rd-4th September, 2025
– Location: Asia World Expo, Hong Kong
– Focus: Connecting the global football ecosystem
The future of football is being written. Will you read it or write it?
About World Football Summit
World Football Summit is a leading international organization for the football industry. Through its platform, we organize events across four continents that bring together key stakeholders from the ecosystem, fostering business opportunities, collaboration, and innovation in the sector. Thousands of professionals representing companies and institutions from around the world actively engage with WFS.
Contact and media accreditation:
Jaime Domínguez – Communications Director World Football Summit
About Asia Partners IFBD
Asia Partners IFBD is a premier investment IP company specialising in the sports sector. We focus on investing in innovative intellectual property (IP) concepts and collaborating with top-tier players in the industry. Our extensive network and expertise allow us to work alongside the best football players and organizations.
Marta Lop – Marketing Director, Asia Partners IFBD
