{"id":2401325,"date":"2026-05-04T11:47:13","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T11:47:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2401325"},"modified":"2026-05-04T11:47:13","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T11:47:13","slug":"the-forum-brings-together-leaders-from-sport-leisure-and-entertainment-to-debate-the-future-of-football-as-a-global-industry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/the-forum-brings-together-leaders-from-sport-leisure-and-entertainment-to-debate-the-future-of-football-as-a-global-industry\/","title":{"rendered":"THE FORUM Brings Together Leaders from Sport, Leisure and Entertainment to Debate the Future of Football as a Global Industry"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Madrid has become the global epicenter of the sports and leisure business with the celebration of THE FORUM<\/b>, an exclusive event promoted by Atl\u00e9tico de Madrid<\/a> <\/b>and Apollo Sports Capital.<\/b> Held at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano<\/b>, it brought together some of the most influential leaders in the industry, with more than 400 attendees.<\/p>\n

The event opened with welcoming remarks from Atl\u00e9tico de Madrid president Enrique Cerezo<\/b>, who emphasized the importance of the event as a meeting point for professionals to analyze and debate the future of sport and entertainment. \u201cThe world of football is experiencing significant growth not only as a sport but also as an industry. I trust that today\u2019s perspectives will help us build a new industry and an exciting future<\/i>\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n

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He was followed by Atl\u00e9tico de Madrid CEO Miguel \u00c1ngel Gil<\/b>, who focused on the evolution of the football industry and how it now goes far beyond what happens during matches, highlighting the experiences that will be offered by the future \u2018Sports City\u2019: \u201cAtl\u00e9tico de Madrid has been working for some time to make football much more than 90 minutes. We are achieving it. In this stadium alone, in 2025, more than 250 corporate events were held for between 300 and 5,000 people, 23 music events for 60,000 attendees, 24 football matches with nearly 70,000 spectators\u2026 In total, around 3.5 million people visited us.<\/i>\u201d<\/p>\n

The first panel featured Rob Givone<\/b>, CCO of Apollo Sports Capital; Antoine Bonnier<\/b>, CEO of Quantum Pacific; and Ben Enowitz<\/b>, CFO of MARI Group. Givone stated that \u201cwhat is great about Atl\u00e9tico is that we have the best organization and the best management team. I would challenge anyone to find something better in world football<\/i>.\u201d Bonnier highlighted the evolution of football clubs, stating that \u201cit is crucial to emphasize Atl\u00e9tico de Madrid\u2019s talent in positioning itself as a flagship of the new business model.<\/i>\u201d<\/p>\n

Enowitz, meanwhile, highlighted football\u2019s value as a shared fan experience: \u201cSport is a passion. People love to share and celebrate; that is why the world of football is so closely linked to the events and entertainment industry.<\/i>\u201d<\/p>\n

The day continued with panels featuring industry leaders discussing major football clubs, including Ferran Soriano, CEO of City Football Group, and Jorge Mas<\/b>, Managing Owner of Inter Miami<\/a>, as well as the global impact of Spanish institutions and companies. In the latter panel, Alberto Rodr\u00edguez-Toquero <\/b>(CEO of Mahou San Miguel), Francisco Hein <\/b>(co-founder of Fever), and Maite G\u00f3mez Fraile <\/b>(VP Officer at Cabify) shared their views.<\/p>\n

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This section also included Jos\u00e9 Luis Mart\u00ednez-Almeida<\/b>, Mayor of Madrid; Javier Tebas<\/b>, President of LaLiga; and Rafael Louz\u00e1n,<\/b> President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation. Javier Tebas stated that \u201cthe balance between domestic competitions is where the brand is built, and all clubs contribute to that,\u201d while Rafael Louz\u00e1n referred to the 2030 World Cup, which will be hosted in part by Spain: \u201cWe are working on this major event that will showcase us to the world, and it is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss.\u201d<\/p>\n

David Villa<\/a> <\/b>also took part in THE FORUM in a panel on elite footballers alongside Luis Figo<\/b>, Jorge Mendes <\/b>(founder of GestiFute), and Spain women\u2019s national team coach Sonia Berm\u00fadez<\/b>. Villa emphasized the importance of environment in a player\u2019s career: \u201cEverything happens very quickly and, while you are competing, you are not always aware of it. That\u2019s why it\u2019s key to surround yourself with good people, as success can sometimes cloud our judgment.<\/i>\u201d<\/p>\n

The event also featured Pablo Barrios<\/a><\/b>, Atl\u00e9tico de Madrid midfielder, who joined Camilo Andrade<\/b>, VP\/GM Global Football at Nike, in a panel titled \u2018Shaping the Football of the Future.\u2019 The academy graduate stressed that \u201cit is a source of pride that children look up to us and want to be like us in the future<\/i>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another club graduate, Fernando Torres<\/a><\/b>, shared reflections with Jeff Sharma<\/b>, Vice President of Brand at EA SPORTS FC, on fan passion and young players aspiring to become footballers. \u201cIt is important to allow young people to make mistakes, to express themselves, and to experiment. It is part of learning. Respect, commitment, and passion are fundamental pillars,<\/i>\u201d said the current Atl\u00e9tico Madrid coach.<\/p>\n

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The event concluded with two exclusive talks by Nasser Al-Khela\u00effi<\/b>, President of the European Club Association (ECA) and Paris Saint-Germain<\/a>, and Aleksander \u010ceferin<\/b>, President of UEFA.<\/p>\n

Guillem Balagu\u00e9 <\/b>spoke with Nasser Al-Khela\u00effi about various topics in international football. The PSG president referred, among other issues, to UC3, the joint venture created in 2025 by ECA and UEFA: \u201cWe created this alliance and reached a balanced agreement between both parties. We are building something bigger for the clubs.<\/i>\u201d<\/p>\n

To conclude, Vicente Vall\u00e9s<\/b> held a conversation with Aleksander \u010ceferin, bringing THE FORUM to a close. \u201cWe are all part of the same ecosystem. Miguel \u00c1ngel and Nasser Al-Khela\u00effi bring a very positive vision. We must understand that we share the same goal: for football to grow and improve,<\/i>\u201d said the UEFA president.<\/p>\n

THE FORUM is spearheaded by Club Atl\u00e9tico de Madrid, Riyadh Air, and Apollo Sports Capital. More information at\u00a0www.theforum.es<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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