As every year, Johan Cruyff Institute celebrated the graduation of students who completed its online programs in 2025, marking a milestone in their professional careers in sports management
A new generation of future leaders in the sports industry celebrated their graduation. The 2024–2025 class of Johan Cruyff Institute’s online programs marked the culmination of their dedication and commitment on the path to becoming professionals ready to lead the sports sector.
The ceremony took place at the Joan Antoni Samaranch Olympic and Sports Museum, located in the Montjuïc neighborhood of Barcelona. There, 44 students, together with their families and friends, celebrated the achievement of successfully completing the Johan Cruyff Institute’s various programs.
The ceremony welcomed students from the Master in Sport Business Online and the University Master’s Degree in Sports Management Online. Graduates of the Master in Football Business Online, as well as students from various postgraduate programs, also received their diplomas. Recently, the Master’s Degree in Sports Management Online was recognized by the specialized media outlet SportBusiness International as the best online program in Europe and Top 5 in the world.
Lukas Dorda, Associate Academic Director, welcomed the graduates and highlighted their effort and the importance of the support received throughout the process: “It is an honor to welcome this graduating class. Each of you has shown commitment, perseverance, and passion for sport. The challenges you faced throughout the program have only strengthened your skills and resilience.
“Today, we celebrate not only your academic success but also the strength, dedication, and determination that will allow you to make a difference in the sports industry.”
Before the diploma ceremony, Mark Parker, a graduate of the Master in Football Business Online, gave a short speech on behalf of the 2024–2025 class: “It is a privilege to represent our class on this very special day. This achievement reflects the effort, dedication, and passion that each of us has put into our studies. Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way.”
The ceremony continued with the diploma presentation, in which students received their degrees from Lukas Dorda and Víctor Jordán, Academic Director of Johan Cruyff Institute. Additionally, the Johan Cruyff Institute Awards were presented, recognizing six students for outstanding academic performance:
- Peter Lund – Best Academic Performance Award (Master in Football Business Online)
- Lars Robin Carlier – Best Academic Performance Award (Master in Sport Business Online)
- Rasmus Peter Søe – Best Academic Performance Award (Postgraduate Diploma in Football Business Online)
- Gabriela Arias– Best Academic Performance Award (Master in Sport Business Online)
- Andrew Penn – Best FMP Award (Master in Football Business Online)
- Mark Parker – Participation Award (Master in Football Business Online)
To close the event, Jordi Cruyff addressed the new alumni and celebrated this promotion of sports industry professionals: “Congratulations to all of you on this achievement. Today, we celebrate not only the completion of your studies but also the beginning of new opportunities in sports. ”
“Take with you the curiosity, passion, and commitment you demonstrated throughout the program, and remember that there is always room to learn, grow, and make a difference in this industry.”
The ceremony concluded with a cocktail where the new Johan Cruyff Institute alumni had the opportunity to celebrate with their families and friends, as well as strengthen bonds with classmates, colleagues, and professors. This class leaves prepared to take on new challenges in the sports industry, apply their knowledge, and continue advancing the legacy of Johan Cruyff worldwide.
