European Leagues

World Football Summit Europe 2024: Shaping The Future of Global Football in Sevilla

In a world where football is evolving at a groundbreaking speed, World Football Summit Europe 2024 emerges as the platform where the sport’s future will be designed. On September 18th and 19th, Sevilla will become the epicentre of global football, hosting an unprecedented gathering of over 2,500 industry leaders, tech innovators, and football legends.

Key Highlights:

Global Gathering: Over 2,500 attendees, including industry leaders, football legends, representatives from football properties such as the ECA, FC Barcelona, or Liverpool FC, and top global brands like Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, and Turkish Airlines, among hundred others.
Premier Speakers: Featuring influential figures like Giorgio Chiellini, Toni Nadal, Javier Tebas, Maheta Molango and Gaia Pretner.

Comprehensive Agenda: 11 different tracks covering emerging trends such as football technology, investment, sustainability initiatives, women’s football development, and new revenue streams in the digital age.
Sustainability Focus: WFS commits to planting a forest in the region, mitigating the event’s carbon footprint.

World Football Summit (WFS) is set to return to Sevilla for its 8th edition on September 18th and 19th, 2024. Held at the renowned FIBES, WFS Europe 2024 aims to be the most impactful gathering yet, bringing together the football industry’s most powerful voices to discuss and shape the future of the sport.

With a stellar lineup of over 100 speakers, the event will feature industry heavyweights like Giorgio Chiellini, Italian football legend, Toni Nadal, renowned coach and uncle of tennis star Rafael Nadal, Javier Tebas, President of LALIGA, Maheta Molango, from the Professional Footballers Association, and Gaia Pretner, from the European Club Association.

Top Brands and Clubs Represented: The event will see participation from leading global brands including Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, Rexona, Turkish Airlines, La Junta de Andalucía, Radisson Hotel Group or The Football Business Academy, all of whom play crucial roles in the intersection of technology, branding, and talent. Major clubs and organizations, such as FIFA, LALIGA, European Club Association, and top European football clubs like FC Barcelona, Juventus, and Liverpool FC, will be in attendance, further cementing WFS Europe as the premier football industry event, capable of gathering the entire football community under one roof.

Mission and Goals: The mission of WFS Europe 2024 is clear: to serve as a gateway for connections that will create a more professional and thriving football industry. Through its comprehensive agenda covering 11 different tracks, the summit aims to foster crucial conversations and collaborations that will shape the future of football.

Interactive Experience: In addition to the main conference, WFS Europe 2024 will feature a dedicated fan zone complete with a food court, cutting-edge technology demonstrations, and even a human foosball installation, providing attendees with unique, hands-on experiences.

Local and Global Impact: As in previous years, the event is expected to catalyze job creation, sports tourism, and visibility for Sevilla and Andalucía as ideal hubs for sports innovation. Moreover, thanks to its “Networking & Streaming Pass,” industry professionals from around the world can join remotely, extending the summit’s reach and impact globally.

Sustainability Initiatives: In alignment with the growing need for environmental sustainability within the industry, the World Football Summit has partnered with Bosquia to plant a forest in the region, mitigating the carbon footprint of the event.

Innovation Showcase: The summit will also spotlight many promising startups, providing them with a platform to showcase their innovative solutions aimed at unlocking new levels of growth in the football industry.

Diversity and Inclusion: Continuing its commitment to diversity, WFS aims to achieve 30% women representation in both the speaker lineup and overall attendee figures. The summit’s Female Leaders in Football gathering has gained notoriety for its impact and the opportunities it creates for ambitious women in the football business.

WFS Awards and Networking Opportunities: A highlight of the summit will be the prestigious WFS Awards, presented by La Junta de Andalucía. The awards will honour excellence across several categories, including Best Executive, Best Digital Transformation Initiative, and Best Women’s Football Initiative. These awards celebrate the individuals and organizations that are driving innovation and growth within the football industry.

In addition to the awards, there will be various exclusive workshops covering topics such as Sportainment, sustainability, and innovation, supported by partners like Common Goal, SportBoost, and LaSource.

Media Opportunities: A dedicated media hub will be available at the Summit where members of the press will be able to interview and connect with high-caliber representatives of the football industry.

Marian Otamendi, CEO at WFS, shared her enthusiasm: “We are at a crucial moment in the industry. With so many changes, ownership dynamics and technological shifts impacting the sport, it is more important than ever for football industry leaders to meet, connect, and collaborate towards building a better football industry. One that is more professional, inclusive, diverse and sustainable.”

Football legend Ronaldo Nazario best summarizes the impact of WFS: “It’s an exclusive and very important event for the future development of football. The organisation, the content, the discussions, a spectacular event.”

For 48 hours, Sevilla will transform into the global center of the football world, as WFS Europe 2024 fosters crucial conversations and connections that will shape the future of football.

WFS Europe 2024 By The Numbers: 2,500+ attendees | 100+ speakers | 11 content tracks | 30% women representation | 1 forest planted

Fast Facts:

WFS Europe celebrates its 8th edition in 2024, and the 23rd World Football Summit event
The event has facilitated millions in business deals since its inception
WFS boasts a global community of 120,000+ football industry professionals
Past speakers include legends like Ronaldo Nazario, Clarence Seedorf, and Samuel Eto’o and relevant characters like Nobel Peace Prize winner Prof. Muhammad Yunus, Fatma Samoura, Peter Moore or Sir Martin Sorrell.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Mbappe Hat-Trick Dismantles Man City As Real Madrid Hit Last 16

Real Madrid have booked their place in the last 16 of the Champions League after a convincing 3-0 over Manchester City in the second leg of their play-off round tie at the Santiago Bernabeu, with the final aggregate score being 6-2.

A stunning comeback in Manchester last week ensured that Real Madrid only needed to avoid defeat in the second leg in order to be confirmed in the next round. However, Carlo Ancelotti’s side were never going to settle for this, and they extended their aggregate lead inside the opening four minutes in the Spanish capital. A long ball over the top from Raul Asencio went into the path of Kylian Mbappe, who lobbed over the onrushing Ederson and into the back of the net.

Just beyond the half hour mark, Mbappe got his and Real Madrid’s second of the evening. A wonderful team move ended with Rodrygo Goes playing in the French attacker, and he showed great feet to take the ball away from a couple of Man City defenders before blasting in from close range.

That goal put the tie beyond any doubt, but Real Madrid and Mbappe did not stop there. The 26-year-old would finish off for his second hat-trick of the season on 61 minutes after he curled the ball into the far corner to complete a sensational evening for him and his teammates.

However, it was not a perfect match for Ancelotti’s side as they conceded in the final minute after former Barcelona midfielder Nico Gonzalez scored from close range after Omar Marmoush’s free-kick came back off the crossbar.

The result means that Real Madrid are into the next round, and they will face either Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16 stage of the Champions League. The draw for that round is set to take place later this week.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

UCL: PSG Whitewash Brest To Set Up Clash With Liverpool or Barcelona

UCL: PSG Whitewash Brest To Stroll Into Last 16

Paris St-Germain roared into the last 16 of the Champions League with a thumping victory over Brest.

Luis Enrique’s side will now face Liverpool or Barcelona with the draw due to take place on Friday, 21 February at 11:00 GMT, in Nyon Switzerland.

Already leading 3-0 from the first leg of their knockout play-off, the hosts again exhibited their superiority over a fellow French side they have now defeated four times this season – scoring 18 times in the process.

Bradley Barcola extended their advantage with a neat near-post effort and his fellow winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia tapped in PSG’s second of the evening before the break.

Portugal international Joao Neves also hit the crossbar for the hosts, before his compatriot and midfield partner Vitinha curled a low shot into the right corner from 18 yards just before the hour mark.

From there PSG moved through the gears.

Goncalo Ramos teed up fellow substitute Desire Doue for their fourth, the impressive Nuno Mendes slid in Achraf Hakimi’s teasing ball for a fifth, Ramos’ deft finish brought a sixth and teenager Senny Mayulu rounded off the scoring with four minutes left.

It ensured a miserable night in the French capital for Brest, who only threatened sporadically when Mathias Pereira Lage’s placed effort was cleared off the line by PSG captain Marquinhos and Pierre Lees-Melou hit the post with a curling effort.

BBC

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Ademola Lookman Trains Fully Ahead Of Champions League Clash

Atalanta has received a significant boost ahead of their upcoming Champions League clash against Club Brugge, with Nigerian international Ademola Lookman returning to full training on Monday, February 17, per Allnigeriasoccer.

Lookman had been sidelined due to a knee injury sustained just two days before a crucial match against Barcelona.

His recovery and return to group training are expected to enhance Atalanta’s attacking options as they prepare for the upcoming fixture.

Lookman’s return is also a positive development for Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle.

Chelle, who was appointed as the head coach of the Nigeria national football team in January 2025, is keen to have his key players in top form ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The Super Eagles are set to resume their qualifying campaign in March 2025, with matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Lookman’s return to fitness will be closely monitored by Chelle, as the winger’s pace and creativity could be instrumental in Nigeria’s upcoming fixtures.

Atalanta’s coach will however assess Lookman’s fitness to determine his potential involvement in the upcoming Champions League match against Brugge.

Given the importance of the fixture, Lookman’s inclusion could provide a significant advantage, as his attacking prowess has been a key asset for Atalanta this season.

For Atalanta supporters, Lookman’s recovery is great news, and the club’s prospects in the Champions League look much brighter with him back in the fold.

Atalanta is aiming to build on their strong performances this season, and Lookman’s return is crucial as they look to advance further in Europe’s most prestigious club competition.

As the match day draws closer, both Lookman and Atalanta are hopeful that the winger can make an impact once again, and fans are excited to see the Nigerian back on the pitch.

With Lookman fully integrated into the squad once more, Atalanta’s attacking threat is renewed, and they are optimistic about their chances in the Champions League.

Allnigeriasoccer