Tomorrow’s Game, Today’s Essence: Europe's central role in innovating football

La Nave, Madrid – 15th & 16th October

WFS Madrid is where the football’s future takes shape. As Europe’s hub for innovation in the sport, the event brings together trailblazing leaders, visionary thinkers, and bold brands driving transformation across every layer of the game. From groundbreaking ideas to strategic partnerships, explore how innovation is redefining football’s global impact, on and off the pitch.

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World Football Summit Madrid key figures

Every year, the community of football industry leaders connects at World Football Summit.

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Confirmed speakers at World Football Summit

Confirmed speakers at
World Football Summit

Grace

Ahrens

Executive Director – Women in Soccer

Grace

Ahrens

Grace Ahrens is the Executive Director of Women in Soccer, an organization committed to creating opportunities for women and people with underrepresented gender identities who work (or want to work) in soccer. Growing up in Mexico and with over 10 years of experience in workforce development, branding and media, she brings a deep understanding of diversity and expertise in driving inclusive solutions.

Fernando

Carro

CEO – Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH

Fernando

Carro

Fernando Carro has been CEO of Bayer 04 Leverkusen since 2018, leading the club to its first Bundesliga title in 2024, along with the DFB Cup, Supercup, and a Europa League final. He represents the Bundesliga as an ECA board member, sits on Bundesliga International’s supervisory board, and contributes to UEFA committees. Previously, he spent 24 years at Bertelsmann, including as CEO of Arvato, and served as international president of AIESEC.

Lise

Klaveness

Football President – Norwegian Football Association

Lise

Klaveness

During a 14-year professional career, Lise Klaveness earned 73 caps for Norway and finished as a runner-up at UEFA Women’s EURO 2005. She also helped Swedish club Umeå FC reach the 2007 UEFA Women’s Cup final. While playing, she earned a master’s degree in law, subsequently working as an assistant judge in the Oslo district court and as a special adviser to Norway’s central bank.A return to football came in 2018 when Klaveness was named technical director at the Football Association of Norway (NFF).

Rafael

Louzán

President – Real Federación Española de Fútbol

Rafael

Louzán

Rafael Louzán Abal has been President of the RFEF since December 2024, after a decade leading the Royal Galician Football Federation. Known for his expertise in sports management, he drove the modernization and digital transformation of the Galician federation, significantly increasing its asset value. Earlier in his career, Louzán worked in public administration, bringing governance experience to his leadership in Spanish football.

Peter

Moore

Owner – Santa Barbara Sky Football club

Peter

Moore

Currently the Owner of Santa Barbara Sky Football Club, Peter Moore brings his vast experience from many leadership roles in major sports and entertainment brands like Liverpool FC, EA Sports, etc to the local football scene. His passion now lies in building a successful and community-focused club.

Stephen

Pagliuca

Co-Chairman – Atalanta B.C.

Stephen

Pagliuca

Stephen Pagliuca is an American private equity investor, co-chairman of Bain Capital, and owner of Atalanta B.C. of Italian Serie A association football league. He is also former co-owner of the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Javier

Tebas

President – LALIGA

Javier

Tebas

Javier Tebas Medrano, born in Costa Rica in 1962, is a Spanish lawyer specializing in sports and bankruptcy law. His football journey began in 1993 as president of SD Huesca. He later joined the boards of CD Badajoz and CD Toledo before becoming LaLiga vice-president in 2001. Elected LaLiga president in 2013, he was re-elected in 2016 and 2019. His leadership focuses on financial controls, audiovisual rights, and international growth, including the Boost LaLiga project with CVC Capital Partners.

Ion

Vilcu

Director, Affiliate Members and Public-Private Collaboration Department – UN Tourism

Ion

Vilcu

Ambassador Ion Vilcu has served since 2018 as Director of Affiliate Members & Public-Private Collaboration at UN Tourism. A Romanian career diplomat, he was Ambassador to Mexico, Spain, Argentina, Paraguay, and Chile, and previously Secretary of State and Head of Protocol of Romania. From 2011–2016, he was Romania’s Permanent Representative to UNWTO. He also teaches International Relations at Nebrija University in Madrid and is fluent in Spanish, English, and Romanian.