Explore the stories of graduates trained in Johan Cruyff Institute’s online programs, who are changing the rules of the game in the sports industry with vision, innovation, and commitment
Each year, a new generation of leaders graduates from Johan Cruyff Institute, ready to shape the future of the sports industry. The flexibility of the online programs enables professionals worldwide to access high-quality education seamlessly. This latest cohort includes students from countries as diverse as Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, the United States, Egypt, Lithuania, and Saudi Arabia. Combining theory and practice with an international outlook, these graduates are equipped to lead projects in sports organizations, locally and globally, contributing to the industry’s growth and professionalization.
In this article, we highlight the journeys of students from the Master in Football Business Online and the Master in Sport Business Online. Each of these professionals has balanced personal and work commitments to excel in their programs, broadening their knowledge and standing out in their respective fields.
Calisia Gregoire
Coordinator of the UWI/FIFA/CIES Sport Management Program
As Coordinator of the UWI/FIFA/CIES Sport Management Program, Calisia Gregoire already engaged daily with sports industry professionals. However, the Master in Sport Business Online opened new areas for her exploration. “Completing this program helped me understand topics like fan engagement, digital marketing, and e-sports on a deeper level, which enhances what I can offer my students,” Calisia explains. She appreciated the program’s structure, balancing theoretical and practical phases: “The organization of the program helped me to plan efficiently and maintain a balance between work and study.” Chosen as the 2024 graduation speaker, Calisia also received the Academic Record Recognition Award for her outstanding academic performance.
Carlos Marinho
Ticketing Venue Configuration Coordinator at UEFA
Carlos Marinho, Ticketing Venue Configuration Coordinator at UEFA, sought to gain a holistic understanding of the industry through the Master in Football Business Online. “In recent years, I specialized heavily in one area of our industry. My goal was to broaden my perspective,” he explains. With experience in ticketing for major events like the Rio 2016 Olympics, Carlos took on new challenges for his Master’s final project. “I focused on technology and data analysis, areas I hadn’t worked with before. This helped me better understand emerging technologies and expand my knowledge,” he shares.
André-Michel Essoungou
Political Affairs Officer at the United Nations in New York
Currently a Political Affairs Officer at the United Nations in New York, André-Michel Essoungou has published books on international justice in Africa. For his Master’s final project in the Master in Football Business Online, he chose to study the Cameroonian soccer league, aiming to improve it both financially and on the field. “This project gave me insights into the current situation of my country’s league and ways to improve it. My goal is to make a meaningful impact,” he says. André-Michel found the program’s practical approach invaluable: “The exercises were closely linked to real-life scenarios, preparing me for future challenges in sports and soccer.”
Roberto Iglesias
Support Specialist in Running & Team Sports at Mizuno USA
A Support Specialist in Running & Team Sports at Mizuno USA, Roberto Iglesias, a Master in Sport Business Online graduate, has worked with organizations such as the Salvadoran Teqball Federation and Orlando City SC. Reflecting on his experience, he says, “The master’s program gave me insights into the sports industry’s dynamics that I apply daily in real-life scenarios.” He also valued the program’s flexibility: “Scheduling assignments around my personal life helped me strike a balance. The lack of strict schedules allowed me to manage my time effectively.”
Nina Živković
Presenter at Arena Sport TV and NewsMax Serbia
A presenter at Arena Sport TV and NewsMax Serbia, Nina Živković completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Sport Marketing and Sponsoring Online. She appreciated learning from industry professionals: “The experience expanded my knowledge significantly. Working alongside people from the sports industry gave my career a boost.” Nina emphasizes the high-caliber network she built: “Many students and alumni occupy prominent positions in the sports world, which speaks volumes.”
Hesham Fahmy
Business development and sales growth professional
With a background in business development across sports, culture, and entertainment, Hesham Fahmy completed the Master’s in Sport Business Online to deepen his industry knowledge. His Final Project focused on Al Ahly, a prominent Egyptian club. “Working on this project was incredible, and I’m currently implementing it in my role,” he says. Hesham felt the program was the right choice: “With six years in event management, I needed to broaden my expertise. The academic experience has been transformative for my career.”
Ausrine Šidlauskė
Marketing Manager at Football Club Žalgiris
“My Master’s final project was on a soccer academy, and today, it’s a reality,” shares Ausrine Šidlauskė, Marketing Manager at Football Club Žalgiris. A graduate of the Master in Sport Business Online, she received the Academic Record Recognition Award for academic excellence. Managing work, family, and studies, Ausrine found the program’s flexibility essential: “I scheduled study time for evenings and weekends. The advance deadlines helped me plan and manage my time well.”
Saad Hawsawi
National Coach/Analyst for Saudi Sports Channels
Saad Hawsawi’s Master’s final project examined Mahd Academy, an initiative by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sports to foster soccer talent. “I studied the academy’s operations and processes, hoping my research contributes to the growth of Saudi soccer,” he explains. Reflecting on his experience at the Master in Football Business Online, he appreciated learning strategic approaches: “This program prepared me to contribute to Saudi soccer’s transformation.”
The experiences of Johan Cruyff Institute graduates demonstrate that these online programs offer more than technical and practical knowledge. Through flexible learning, industry-relevant content, and valuable networking opportunities, graduates can balance studies with their professional lives. This preparation equips them to make a meaningful impact and lead the future of sports.
