With over 400 students from 12 academic institutions and more than 30 sports organizations, the first edition of the SPORTS BUSINESS Job Fair was held in Barcelona, organized by Johan Cruyff Institute and Impulsyn
The first edition of the SPORTS BUSINESS Job Fair brought together young talent and top brands from the sports sector, offering them the opportunity to learn about different areas of work and how to access and grow professionally within the industry. More than 400 students from 12 academic institutions gathered on April 9 at the Antigua Fábrica Estrella Damm in Barcelona, where they participated in panel discussions, interviews, and networking activities that fostered direct connections between future professionals and leading organizations and brands in the sector.
Álex Zusammen, Founder and CEO of Impulsyn, emphasized the significance of the event: “Since we launched Impulsyn in July 2021, we’ve always dreamed of organizing the first job fair in Spain for the sports industry. As the years went by, we saw this goal getting closer, but it wasn’t until 2025 that we finally took the leap and turned this dream into a real and ambitious objective.”
How to access and grow professionally in the football industry, according to LALIGA’s Employer Branding team
The day began with an interview featuring Clara Manso, Recruitment and Employer Branding Coordinator at LALIGA. The talk, moderated by Álex Zusammen, provided valuable insights into the profiles sought by major leagues and how students can develop the necessary skills to access opportunities within the sector.
“At LALIGA, we look for profiles passionate about sports, with an open mindset and a real commitment to learning and evolving. The opportunities are out there, but it’s crucial for students to work on both their technical skills and their ability to adapt to a global and ever-changing environment”
What’s next for the sports brands sector? The case of Decathlon and Sprinter
The fair continued with a panel titled “Opportunities and Evolution of the Sports Brand Sector.” Moderated by Edgar Romero, Corporate Relations at Johan Cruyff Institute, it featured Cristina Martínez Sánchez, Retail Talent Acquisition Team Leader at Sprinter, and Álex Pujol, Store Director at Decathlon. They shared their views on current and future trends in the sports brand industry.
“I’d recommend you discover what makes you happy in your daily life, because that’s what will lead you to success in your professional life,” said Pujol. Cristina Martínez talked about the profiles brands are looking for: “We seek people who understand the importance of brand culture and who can bring fresh ideas to an increasingly competitive and globalized environment.”
The fitness industry: one of the fastest-growing sectors in the sports world
The next panel focused on leaders from the fitness industry. As highlighted by moderator Álex Zusammen, this is the sector with the highest growth and most job offers on the Impulsyn platform. Adriá Santamaría (Franchisee and Franchise Business Consultant at Anytime Fitness Iberia), Virginia Garós (HR Manager at Fitness Park Spain), and Marc Solá (Regional Manager at VivaGym) discussed job opportunities and current challenges in the field.
“This industry requires passion, values, commitment. I believe the combination of education and hands-on experience is key. And an open mind, in an industry that continues to diversify,” said Adriá Santamaría. Virginia Garós emphasized adapting to new technological demands: “Digitalization has allowed brands to offer a more personal experience, which opens many opportunities for future professionals.”
Marc Solá stressed the importance of soft skills in the industry, such as the ability to lead and motivate:
“The sector seeks people who are not just experts in physical training, but also capable of connecting with users emotionally and socially.”
Talent management in football clubs: Girona FC and CD Leganés
The day of talks concluded with a panel titled “Talent Management in Football Clubs: Profiles, Challenges, and Opportunities.” Moderated by Ana García Colmena, HR Director at World Football Summit, the discussion featured Jaime Riopérez (Presidency Advisor at CD Leganés) and Arán Navarro (Commercial and Marketing Director at Girona FC). They discussed how clubs manage talent and what they look for in new professionals.
Both agreed that talent management is key to the sustainable growth of clubs. Jaime Riopérez emphasized the importance of new technologies: “Tools like artificial intelligence are essential for the future leaders of the sports industry.” Arán Navarro highlighted the value of attitude and continuous learning:
“Technical skills can be learned, but what truly makes a difference is mindset, eagerness to grow, and contributing from day one.”
Networking session: bringing leading sports industry brands closer to students
The event also featured a networking session with over 400 students from 12 academic institutions, providing attendees with direct access to leading industry organizations like LALIGA, Decathlon, Girona FC, World Football Summit, and VivaGym. The event promoted idea exchange, mutual understanding, and the creation of professional opportunities in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
With a packed agenda full of learning and networking opportunities, the SPORTS BUSINESS Job Fair has established itself as a key event for those looking to take their first steps in the sports industry. Following the success of this first edition, planning is already underway for the second edition in 2026, which promises to bring together even more young talent and leading companies from the sector.
