Leading voices from across the ecosystem

World Football Summit brings together the leaders defining where the industry is heading, from club presidents and league executives to investors, innovators, and voices from beyond football who bring fresh perspectives to the business of the game.

Reem

Abdullah

CEO of women football – Alshabab football Club

Reem

Abdullah

HRH Princess Reem Bint Abdullah is a leading advocate for youth and sports in Saudi Arabia. She founded the first girls’ football academy, helped launch the women’s national team, and leads women’s football at Al Shabab FC. Internationally, she holds key roles at United World Group and Sheffield United. She pioneered #SportsForDevelopment, impacting 300+ youth in Iraq through sports and entrepreneurship.

Alhassan

Abdulshakur

CEO & Founder – Sport Psychology Academy

Alhassan

Abdulshakur

Alhassan is a sport psychology consultant with a passion for enhancing the performance and wellbeing of athletes. Bringing extensive experience in working with elite athletes and teams, he specializes in providing tailored psychological interventions to optimize performance, resilience, and mental health. As a PhD researcher in sport psychology, he is driven by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a commitment to driving positive change in the world of sport, especially in developing sport psychology services.

René

Abril

IT and Digital Development Director | Club Atlético de Madrid

René

Abril

René Abril is IT and Digital Development Director at Atlético de Madrid. A Telecommunications Engineer, he spent two decades in broadcast and audiovisual, including 16 years at Mediapro. Since joining Atlético in 2016, he has led the club’s technology strategy, from IT infrastructure and stadium systems to digital platforms and innovation. He played a key role in the technological development of the Metropolitano and held top technical responsibility at the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final.

Abdulaziz

Abuzaid

Misk Sports Director General – Misk Foundation

Abdulaziz

Abuzaid

Strategy-driven leader with 15+ years of experience delivering growth, transformation, and operational excellence across public and private sectors. In recent years, I’ve brought this strategic discipline into the sports sector, where I’ve spearheaded ventures that fuse elite athletic development with education and structured talent pathways, like creating first-of-its-kind elite football academy embedded within a private K–12 school in Riyadh.

David

Aganzo

President | AFE (ASOCIACION DE FUTBOLISTAS ESPAÑOLES)

David

Aganzo

President AFE, President AIF Fútbol, Vicepresident RFEF, Sports director RFEF, Ex-footballer.

Andrea

Agnelli

President- Juventus FC

Andrea

Agnelli

A successful businessman – since May 2010, Agnelli has served as chairman of Italian association football club Juventus, which returned to Italian football dominance throughout the 2010s with nine consecutive record-breaking Serie A titles, along with four consecutive national doubles and one domestic treble. Under Agnelli’s presidency, Juventus also returned to European competitiveness, reaching one UEFA Europa League semi-final and two UEFA Champions League finals.

Nacho

Aguilar

CEO – PFC Costa del sol – Profutcamps

Nacho

Aguilar

Nacho Aguilar, is an entrepreneur with over 10 years of experience. After earning an MBA, he combined his passion for sports with business by founding Profutcamps and PFC Costa del Sol, initiatives that unite youth worldwide through football. He is driven by four pillars: uncertainty, education, sport, and values, viewing sport not just as competition, but as a path to learning, community, and life.

Jamil

Ahmad

Networking Country Manager – HPE

Jamil

Ahmad

Jamil Ahmad is the Country manager at Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s Networking Business Unit. With extensive experience in the tech industry, Jamil is passionate about helping organizations harness the power of cutting-edge technologies. Associated with Hewlett Packard Middle East for 24 years, he has been successfully handling managerial positions including handling Large Global Accounts needing consultative approach.

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.

Loay

Al Alfi

Head of Strategy and Partnerships – Misk City

Loay

Al Alfi

Mr. Alfi is the Head of Strategy and Partnerships at Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City (Misk City) — the world’s first nonprofit city, designed to empower youth and innovation. With over two decades of experience shaping national, sectoral, and institutional strategies across government, state-backed, and nonprofit entities, Loay has led transformative programs that bridge vision with execution. At Misk City, he has driven the City’s strategic positioning, ecosystem and cluster development.

Majed

Al Ali

Founder & CEO – M.A. Sports

Majed

Al Ali

Majed AlAli is the Founder & CEO of M.A. Sports, a Saudi advisory firm specializing in sports investment, commercialization, and strategic partnerships. Drawing on two decades of experience, including 17 years of senior commercial experience at Saudi Aramco, Majed uniquely aligns global rights holders with the Kingdom’s sports ambitions. He advises investors and clubs on market entry, acquisitions, and media ventures in Saudi Arabia. M.A. Sports is also the official local partner for the World Football Summit (WFS)

Adwa

Al Arifi

Assistant Minister for Sport Affairs

Adwa

Al Arifi

For more than 15 years, Adwa has led dozens of initiatives to help drive and develop the sport sector as well as playing a key role in mass participation across the Kingdom. Her early work included helping to establish the Kingdom’s first women’s football team in 2007 and founding the Riyadh Women’s Football League in 2008. Her continued to support the growth of football becoming the first ever female board member of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation in 2019.

Zakariya

Alanwah

Stadium Commercial Manager – Aramco

Zakariya

Alanwah

Zakariya Alanwah is the Commercial Manager at Aramco Stadium, where heads strategic partnerships, commercial operations, and revenue optimization initiatives. With a Master of Engineering and extensive experience at Saudi Aramco, Zakariya has driven commercialization and organizational transformation across major infrastructure and sports-venue projects.

Khalid

Alaraifi

Chief Experience Officer – Misk City

Khalid

Alaraifi

Khalid Alaraifi is the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at Misk City, where he leads strategic initiatives that enhance the city’s position as a hub for culture, innovation, and youth empowerment. With a background in strategy, consulting, tourism, sports, culture, media, and business development, Khalid brings extensive experience in driving projects aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Ahmed

Albahrani

Director of the Grassroots Department – Saudi Arabian Football Federation

Ahmed

Albahrani

Sports Media Professional, Executive Director of the Referees Committee, Executive Director of the Commissioners and Coordinators Department, and Director of the Grassroots Department

Hammad

Albalawi

Head of the Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup™ 2034 bid unit at the Saudi Arabian Football Federation – Saudi Arabian Football Federation

Hammad

Albalawi

Hammad Albalawi leads Saudi Arabia’s FIFA World Cup 2034 bid, aiming to host the first 48-team tournament in a single nation under the slogan “Growing. Together.” Previously, he was Assistant Deputy Minister for Strategic Planning & Investment at the Ministry of Sport, overseeing the National Sports and Football Strategies. He also led the privatization of state-owned sports assets, boosting investment appeal and managing IP projects like the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Rocío

Albert López

Consejera de Economía, Hacienda y Empleo – Ayuntamiento de Madrid

Rocío

Albert López

Ha desempeñado diferentes puestos en la Administración Pública en distintas áreas de gobierno relacionadas con el ámbito económico y educativo, entre los que destaca, Viceconsejera de Política Educativa de la Vicepresidencia, Consejería de Educación y Universidades, Viceconsejera de Innovación, Industria, Comercio y Consumo de la Consejería de Economía, Empleo y Hacienda,

Andrea

Albertoni

Co-Founder | Dfend Group

Andrea

Albertoni

Andrea Albertoni is an international entrepreneur and insurance professional specialising in Special Risks. He has extensive experience in business development, client advisory and bespoke insurance solutions, particularly across Sports & Entertainment. His international background includes Switzerland and Luxembourg, working with athletes, artists, entrepreneurs and high-net-worth clients. He is currently developing a specialised Special Risks brokerage focused on international clients.

Maram

AlButairi

Owner and CEO – Eastern Flames FC

Maram

AlButairi

Maram Albutairi is a pioneering force in Saudi women’s football and the visionary behind Eastern Flames FC, the Kingdom’s first privately owned women’s club. Taking the lead before a formal ecosystem even existed, she built Eastern Flames into a national contender, producing dozens of youth and senior national-team players and setting new standards in player development, governance, and club sustainability.

Nabaa

Aldabbagh

Content Partnerships Manager – TikTok

Nabaa

Aldabbagh

I am a partnerships manager at TikTok who is leading on the partnership with the Saudi League, the Qatari league and the UAE Pro League. Also, I am working closely with clubs and entities in sports within the region in developing them and expanding their reach and also finding ways of work that can benefit them. Within the saudi league, I have been able to activate the league and clubs in several in-app activations that have seen success and we are working further to benefit the league by providing TikTok creators

Abdulaziz

Alenzi

Sports Medicine Manager – Move Comprehensive Sports Center

Abdulaziz

Alenzi

Abdulaziz is one of the founding team Member of Move comprehensive Sports Medicine Centre, and Clinical Lecturer at princess Noura University. With More than 10 years of experience at Alhilal FC, specialized Clinics and Football Clubs with extreme focus on sports injuries Rehabilitation and performance improvement.

Wael

Alfayez

Chief Commercial Officer – Saudi Pro league

Wael

Alfayez

Wael AlFayez is Chief Commercial Officer of the Saudi Pro League, leading its global growth through strategy, sponsorships, media rights, and fan engagement. With 20+ years in media and entertainment, he helped launch Asharq News with Bloomberg, led digital shifts at AlKhaleejiah, and founded NAJD Media. A cultural leader, he drives impact through creative strategy and community-focused initiatives.

Lama

Alhamawi

Senior Reporter, Founder of Discussions – Arab News, Discussions Media

Lama

Alhamawi

Lama Alhamawi: Founder of Discussions | Head of Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs Lama Alhamawi is a senior leader and professional dedicated to strengthening international relations and driving public diplomacy through strategic media. As the head of diplomacy and foreign affairs at a leading regional news organization, she is a pivotal figure in shaping critical narratives across the MENA region.

Mai

Alhelabi

CEO – Local Organization Committee – Asia Cup 2027

Mai

Alhelabi

I’m currently the CEO of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Local Organizing Committee. I’ve spent over 20 years working in business development, project management, and international event hosting, and I’ve had the privilege of helping shape the sports and entertainment landscape in Saudi Arabia. Over the years, I’ve overseen and delivered more than 100 international sporting events across the Kingdom , always with a focus on excellence, integration, and creating experiences that have a real social.

Mai

AlHelabi

CEO | AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Local Organising Committee

Mai

AlHelabi

Mai Alhelabi is CEO of the Local Organising Committee for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, leading preparations for the Kingdom’s first hosting of the tournament. Previously Deputy CEO, she has held senior roles at the Ministry of Sport and contributed to the delivery of more than 100 international sporting events across Saudi Arabia. She now oversees the strategic and operational delivery of the tournament, working with local and international stakeholders.

Vanessa

Alipio García

Director of Canttera | Club Deportivo Cali S.A.

Vanessa

Alipio García

Vanessa Alipio García is Academy Director at Deportivo Cali, one of Colombia’s most recognised football clubs. She specialises in talent development, sports management and the growth of football structures across men’s and women’s pathways. With a strong track record in player development and competitive systems, she has helped strengthen Deportivo Cali’s position as a national reference, including multiple women’s league titles.

Ali

AlJehani

Senior Vice President, MENA – Dentsu Sports International

Ali

AlJehani

Overseeing Dentsu Sports International in the MENA region, leading projects spanning sport and entertainment, supporting clients in building long-term brand and commercial impact. Advancing Dentsu Sports International’s regional presence and enhancing its capabilities in delivering insights and advisory services My prior experience at NEOM provided a strong foundation in building strategic relationships, contributing to the growth of NEOM Sectors aligned with Saudi’s Vision 2030.

Maram

Alkadhi

Partner – Thoburns

Maram

Alkadhi

Maram is a Partner at Thoburns, a boutique communications consultancy based in the UK. A dynamic and multilingual communications consultant with nearly 20 years’ experience advising high-profile public and private sector clients across the UK, Middle East, and internationally, Maram is known for delivering high-impact communications strategies for some of the region’s most transformative entities.

H.E. Bader

Alkadi

Vice Minister of Sport

H.E. Bader

Alkadi

His Excellency Mr. Bader bin Abdulrahman Alkadi holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the College of Business at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, specializing in Financial Management, and a master’s degree in Sports Management and Entertainment from ISDE University in Spain. He began his professional career 20 years ago at HSBC Bank in London, then returned to the Kingdom and transitioned to the trade and retail sector, where he worked for 10 years at Procter & Gamble.

Jürgen

Alker

Founder – Alker

Jürgen

Alker

Jürgen Alker is a strategic advisor and entrepreneur focused on the future of performance in football. He works with former World Cup winners and Premier League players on building meaningful second-career platforms and helping them navigate life beyond the pitch. Alongside his work with talent, Jürgen supports SoccerBible in expanding its global presence, shaping new cultural and creative formats within the modern football landscape.

Shayne

Allise

Founder & CEO – 3XV Sports

Shayne

Allise

Shayne Allise Steyteyieh is a Palestinian-Irish American former Grand Prix dressage rider and the Founder of 3XV Sports. She began her career as a full-time sponsored athlete, earning USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals by 25 and training under some of the sport’s most accomplished Olympic athletes. Her own experiences navigating sponsorship as a Palestinian athlete revealed inequities and cultural blind spots within global sport – insights that became the foundation for 3XV’s athlete-first model.

Majdi

Allulu

Founder and CEO – Grintafy Technologies

Majdi

Allulu

Majdi Allulu is the Founder & CEO of Grintafy, the leading SportsTech platform in the Middle East and the region’s largest amateur football ecosystem. Since launching the platform, he has grown Grintafy to 2.5 million+ players, established partnerships with Serie A, Mahd Academy, the Saudi School League, and multiple professional clubs, and positioned the company as a core player in regional talent discovery.

Lina Khaled

Almaeena

Chairperson – Jeddah United

Lina Khaled

Almaeena

Communication major, French minor, George Maon University, 2000. MA in Psychology, American University in London 2005. Chaiman of the National Sports Talent Co. (Jeddah United Club). Member of the Saudi Shura Council 2016-2020. Member of the Saudi Leadership Society. Winner of the Entrepreneurship award at the Women in Leadership Forum 2010. Columnist and opinion writer. One of 10 Saudi women that climbed Everest Base Camp 2012 as a breast cancer awareness campaign.

Ibrahim

Almoaiqel

Assistant Deputy Minister for Investment and Privatization – Ministry of Sport – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Ibrahim

Almoaiqel

Ibrahim Almoaiqel is the Assistant Deputy Minister for Investment and Privatization at the Ministry of Sport in Saudi Arabia, leading efforts to commercialize the sports sector, expand private sector involvement, and oversee the national privatization program—ranging from transforming state-owned sports clubs into private entities to evaluating the privatization of major sports assets including Stadia and Sports cities.

Salvador

Alonso

Sports Director | FIA (Fenwick Iribarren Architects)

Salvador

Alonso

Salvador Alonso is FIA’s Sports Director and a key reference for sports-related projects. With over 20 years at the studio, he has extensive experience in the design and development of major sports facilities and deep knowledge of UEFA and FIFA regulations. He has led projects including Nou Mestalla, José Zorrilla Stadium and José Alvalade Stadium, combining strategic vision, technical expertise and operational requirements to deliver high-quality sports venues.

Sultan

Althari

Founding Partner – The Althari Group

Sultan

Althari

Sultan Althari is a Founding Partner at The Althari Group, a global strategic advisory and investment firm, where he leads a portfolio of engagements at the intersection of sports, media, and entertainment. As a member of the Executive and Investment Committees at Al Shabab FC, he oversees strategic investments and global outreach. He also serves on the Advisory Board of the World Football Summit and previously served as a Senior Advisor at Inter Miami CF.

Víctor

Alvarado

CEO/Founder- Spiel Consulting

Víctor

Alvarado

Mexican-born sports marketing strategist in Berlin. 25+ years connecting fans, brands, and football via digital innovation & strategy. Led “Mi Selección MX” digital growth (2014/2018 World Cups). At [current company in Germany] & Spiel Consulting, helping clubs/leagues engage fans, activate sponsors, and grow with data & creativity. Collaborated with Adidas, Coca-Cola, Movistar, Visa, FC Bayern. Leaders Under 40 nominee (Digital & Tech).

Beatriz

Álvarez

President Liga F

Beatriz

Álvarez

Beatriz Álvarez Mesa is currently the President of Liga F since June 2022 and vice president of Spanish Football Federation. A former footballer for Oviedo Moderno, she was also the President of the club from July 16, 2009 until in September 2019, when she became the first woman to hold the position of General Director of Sports of Asturias in that province. Having played football since 12, she went through all the lower leagues with OM until reaching the first team in 2000, from which she retired at the age of 22.

Pablo

Alzaga

Photographer & Co-Founder – MATINAL

Pablo

Alzaga

Pablo Alzaga (b. 1992, San Sebastián) is a creative director and photographer with 10+ years of experience. His minimalist style bridges fashion, sport, and culture, highlighting identity through imagery. In 2022, he founded MATINAL, a studio focused on football and culture. He has worked with Adidas, Puma, New Balance, Universal Music, and VICE, and portrayed figures from Billie Eilish to the Spanish National Team.

Gabrielle

Amado

Television Presenter – Mediapro

Gabrielle

Amado

Gabrielle Amado is an Emmy Award–winning multimedia journalist and television presenter with a decade of international experience spanning Europe and North America. She has shaped brand narratives and presented global campaigns for organizations including LaLiga, FOX, Major League Soccer, and beIN SPORTS.

Dorcas

Amakobe

Executive Director | Moving The Goalposts

Dorcas

Amakobe

Dorcas Amakobe is Executive Director of Moving The Goalposts, a sport-for-development organization advancing the rights and well-being of girls and young women in Kenya. With over 20 years in the NGO sector, she specializes in gender equality, child protection, youth empowerment and community development. A trained social worker and counsellor, she serves on boards including Common Goal and the Centre for Sport and Human Rights.

Andre

Amaral

CEO – Liga Portugal

Andre

Amaral

André Mosqueira do Amaral is CEO of Liga Portugal, leading media rights centralization and football’s strategic growth. With 20+ years in global investment banking (Credit Suisse, UBS), he advised major clients on M&A and capital markets. An entrepreneur and LSE Economics grad, he bridges finance, strategy, and innovation across sports, wellness, tech, and industry.

Razan

Amoush

Producer , Football reporter

Razan

Amoush

Razan is a seasoned football reporter and producer with over a decade of experience in the industry. With a Master’s degree in Public Policy, she combines analytical insight with a passion for storytelling. She has worked extensively with international players, creating content that highlights their journeys on and off the pitch. A lifelong football enthusiast, Razan continues to share stories that connect and inspire fans around the world.

Abdullah

Aqeel

Portfolio Manager – Ministry of Sports

Abdullah

Aqeel

He works in the Mega Events Department at the Saudi Ministry of Sports, specializing in access control and ticketing for major events. He designs smooth, fan-friendly journeys—from ticket purchase to venue exit—focusing on families and first-time attendees. He collaborates with organizers, ticketing partners, and venue teams to connect all touchpoints, ensuring seamless entry, seating, fan zones, and support for PWD and VIP guests.

Dr Amine

Arezki

Founder & CEO – MarkaMotion

Dr Amine

Arezki

Dr. Amine Arezki is the Founder & CEO of MarkaMotion, a sports-tech startup redefining brand–fan engagement through virtual jersey advertising. With a PhD in Robotics and AI and an Executive MBA from London Business School, he brings 15+ years of global experience in strategy, marketing, and innovation. His work merges computer vision, AR, and creative marketing to drive new revenue models, and he is a frequent speaker on fan engagement, sports monetisation, and AI.

With over 30 years of experience, I specialise in revitalising football clubs, steering them through challenges & building sustainable paths to success. I have worked across the football ecosystems; from Coventry City during their Premier League tenure to Glasgow Rangers, a club with a rich UEFA Champions League legacy. Currently, as part of Odisha FC’s journey, I’ve focussed on driving grwoth and innovation.

Bernardo

Azevedo

General Manager – Liga Portugal

Bernardo

Azevedo

Bernardo Azevedo is a Board Member of Liga Portugal and General Manager of Liga Comercial Portugal. After spending a significant part of his career at the Heineken Group, he built a path in digital transformation, sponsorship strategy, and Web3 across major global sports — from F1 to football. He later joined A BOLA, Portugal’s most renowned sports-media brand, as Chief Commercial Officer, where he helped lead its digital transformation.

Reem

Abdullah

Reem

Abdullah

Alhassan

Abdulshakur

Alhassan

Abdulshakur

René

Abril

René

Abril

Abdulaziz

Abuzaid

Abdulaziz

Abuzaid

David

Aganzo

David

Aganzo

President AFE, President AIF Fútbol, Vicepresident RFEF, Sports director RFEF, Ex-footballer.

Andrea

Agnelli

Andrea

Agnelli

Nacho

Aguilar

Nacho

Aguilar

Jamil

Ahmad

Jamil

Ahmad

Grace

Ahrens

Grace

Ahrens

Loay

Al Alfi

Loay

Al Alfi

Majed

Al Ali

Majed

Al Ali

Adwa

Al Arifi

Adwa

Al Arifi

Strategic Debates

Strategic
Debates

“It’s a key time in Europe to look for the right investors,

but investors that see women’s football as a business case…

not just put the money and leave in the short term.”

Nadine Kessler

Managing Director of Women’s Football – UEFA

“You can set whatever KPIs and generate

whatever commercial impact,

but at the end of the day it’s about the community and the emotions.”

Peter Moore

Owner – Santa Barbara Sky Football Club

“Sustainability is about focus on ESG,

anticipating and adapting, creating regulatory requirements,

collaborating and innovating.”

Michele Uva

Executive Director – UEFA

“We have four pillars to improve the league:

financial governance, expertise for player acquisition,

fan engagement and marketing.”

Omar Mugharbel

CEO – Saudi Pro League

“We are the biggest club in Asia but we don’t stop there.

We want to grow, and get fans from all over the world.

We need to have ambition to grow our funding and resources.”

Esteve Calzada

CEO – Al-Hilal

“We can’t build our commercial potential solely relying on players.

We are connecting with audiences through storytelling,

and innovative content.”

Mike Armstrong

Managing Director – Juventus

“The key pillar to attract people to a stadium

is to make sure you add something tangible

to every single experience.”

Shireen Hamdan

Global Board Director – Populous

“It’s a key time in Europe to look for the right investors, but investors that see women’s football as a business case… not just put the money and leave in the short term.”

Nadine Kessler

Managing Director of Women’s Football – UEFA

“You can set whatever KPIs and generate whatever commercial impact, but at the end of the day it’s about the community and the emotions.”

Peter Moore

Owner – Santa Barbara Sky Football Club

“Sustainability is about focus on ESG, anticipating and adapting, creating regulatory requirements, collaborating and innovating.”

Michele Uva

Executive Director – UEFA

“We have four pillars to improve the league: financial governance, expertise for player acquisition, fan engagement and marketing.”

Omar Mugharbel

CEO – Saudi Pro League

“We are the biggest club in Asia but we don’t stop there. We want to grow, and get fans from all over the world. We need to have ambition to grow our funding and resources.”