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

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.

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 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.

Maheta Molango is Chief Executive of the PFA, representing footballers in England. A former pro who played for Atlético Madrid, Brighton, Lincoln, Oldham, and Wrexham, he later became a top sports lawyer, advising stars like Antoine Griezmann and Mesut Özil. Fluent in five languages, he was twice ranked among Spain’s best sports lawyers. In 2016 he became CEO of RCD Mallorca, and in July 2021 was appointed to lead the PFA.

Raúl Sanllehí, with nearly 30 years in football leadership, is President of Football Operations at Inter Miami CF. He began at Nike before joining FC Barcelona, where as Director of Football he contributed to one of the club’s golden eras. Later, he became Arsenal’s Head of Football, overseeing operations and strategy. From 2022–2024, he served as CEO of Real Zaragoza. In July 2024, he brought his global expertise to MLS with Inter Miami.

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.