Foundations, associations, sports clubs and organisations, sports facilities, tourism and wellness activities.
The sports industry already accounts for 1% of global GDP. This has led to the creation of new occupations and jobs, as well as greater specialisation in the management of sports businesses across the world.
However, in an increasingly competitive and constantly evolving market, professionals need to be better prepared than ever. The professionalisation of sport therefore requires continuous knowledge updates and a growing demand for management specialists who are familiar with the latest tools for effective decision-making, while also understanding the specific characteristics of the sports sector.
The programme provides an executive perspective that can be applied to managing any organisation connected to the world of sport. This Executive Master’s programme will provide you with the theoretical knowledge you need, but above all, it will focus on practical learning and the development of the skills and competencies that are most relevant to these specific areas.
The programme also opens up a wide range of professional opportunities, whether you are completing your sports career and need further training, already working in the sports industry and want to update your knowledge, or working in management or marketing in another sector while pursuing your passion for sport.
“Johan Cruyff Institute’s Blended Master is very well organized to make everything compatible. It has allowed me not only to follow the classes while competing in another part of the world, but also to get good grades. Competition and travel are no excuse for not taking a master’s degree. It’s a perfect program.”
Belén Morán Romero PROAD Consultant CSD - High Performance Athlete Support Program
Certificate for the Executive Program in Sport Management and Football Business from Johan Cruyff Institute, issued by using blockchain technology to guarantee the authenticity and integrity of the certificate.
6 modules (5 in-person and 1 online), totaling 120 hours of study.
Payment in instalments available
Discount for alumni and members of related entities
Registration open until the start of the program
The program may be subject to change.
The institution reserves the right to cancel the edition of the program if it does not meet the minimum number of students.
The investment you make for a few months ensures a lasting impact on your career and is an experience for life.
A full program of online seminars with industry experts is an excellent opportunity to expand your professional network.
We compile for you a list of job offers from around the world in the field of sports and send them to you on a weekly basis.
At Johan Cruyff Institute we sign agreements with different entities in the sports sector to provide you with professional opportunities with great future prospects.
The Study Trip is an immersive learning experience designed to connect academic knowledge with real-world practice. Through visits to leading sports organizations and sessions with industry professionals, students gain first-hand insights into how the sports industry operates at the highest level. The Study Trip fosters experiential learning, professional networking, and a global perspective, helping students better understand the challenges and opportunities of the sports business while bringing classroom concepts to life. Optional, with an additional charge.
5 goals to help you excel proffesionally
We have designed an Executive Master’s programme tailored to the needs of the Latin American sports industry, providing you with the vision to identify business opportunities and anticipate change. Prepare to make the most of the resources available to any sports company or organisation.
Learning Outcomes
6 Modules ECTS
The program is divided into six thematic modules covering the key areas of sports management and football administration. The study program includes multidisciplinary courses, case studies, individual research, teamwork, and experiential learning to provide students with valuable skills.
You will actively participate in the learning process. We believe that skills and knowledge should be acquired, applied, tested, and evaluated. Therefore, we see students as players, classmates as members of the same team, and teachers as academic coaches.
6 ECTS
Study trip to the city of Barcelona (Spain), combining classes, visits, networking opportunities, and free time over 5 days in October 2027. Additional cost: To be confirmed.
Includes: Attendance at the International Sports Management Congress (2 days), 3 masterclasses with experts from the Spanish football industry, coffee breaks, city visits (Camp Nou, La Masia, RCDE Stadium), welcome pack, program certificate, and all local transportation.
You are the protagonist
The Executive Program in Sport Management and Football Business puts you at the center of your education through a learning by doing methodology. We encourage collaborative work and transfer the content to specific situations in sport marketing and sponsorship (connective teaching methodologies and social constructivism).
Our faculty of expert professors and tutors will guide you in the learning process, providing high quality training combined with the flexibility of online study.
Benefits
Flexible schedules, different learning environments and technologies.
Interaction with expert faculty and industry professionals.
Teamwork, communication and debate.
Training that approaches the business sector of the sports industry.
A new approach to Executive Education
The Executive Program in Sport Management and Football Business covers a broad range of topics and areas of expertise. Whatever your career goals, the program will open up opportunities across a wide range of professional fields.
Graduates of the program are currently working in the areas of:
Professional sports teams and event organizers.
Sports federations and associations.
Championship organizers, sports clubs.
Foundations, government, municipalities.
Private business initiatives.
Private and public companies.
80% Of students work in the sports industry after their program
The Executive Program in Sport Management and Football Business is for:
“My education and professional experience are focused on business administration and finance. The Master’s program has allowed me to meet and connect with wonderful people in the sports industry who love and enjoy it as much as I do.”
Mauricio Abarca Project Coordinator Cruyff Foundation
Learn from the best professionals
The Johan Cruyff Institute teachers are experts from the sports sector and combine research and consultancy with teaching. Through their experience and knowledge, they have developed a broad variety of cases and concepts to work with.
How do I access the program?
Please complete the pre-enrollment form if you are interested in studying this program. Your form will be submitted to the Admissions Committee, which will evaluate if your achievements as well as your aspirations and motivations in pursuing this degree, are in line with the objectives of the program.
The admission procedure may include a personal interview with the program manager. One of our academic consultants will contact you within 72 hours.
To be admitted, you must meet one of the following requirements:
Certificate for the Executive Program in Sport Management and Football Business from Johan Cruyff Institute, issued by using blockchain technology to guarantee the authenticity and integrity of the certificate.
The final selection of candidates for the program is made through a four-stage admission process:
To apply for admission to the program you must fill out a pre-registration form in which you tell us about your personal and professional achievements, so that we can get to know you.
The Admissions Committee of Johan Cruyff Institute studies your file and evaluates your application by examining your profile.
You are unique, and that is how we treat you. If you meet the requirements, you will have a personal interview where we will assess whether your aspirations and motivations for pursuing this program are in line with the objectives of the program.
Within 72 hours, one of our advisors will contact you. If you have received a positive evaluation, he/she will provide you with all the information you need to enroll in the master’s program.
“Johan Cruyff Institute’s Blended Master is very well organized to make everything compatible. It has allowed me not only to follow the classes while competing in another part of the world, but also to get good grades. Competition and travel are no excuse for not taking a master’s degree. It’s a perfect program.”
“I would definitely recommend studying at Johan Cruyff Institute to anyone looking to start a career in the sports industry. Opportunities like this are rare, you gain exposure to all levels of the sector, from innovation and marketing to sponsorship and governance.”
“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.”
“Tailored to the sector or interests of the students, the teachers present cases and examples related to the specific industry or sport that resonates with the majority of the students. Additionally, the program offers outstanding networking opportunities, fostering the development of lifelong friendships.”
A postgraduate program is a specialized academic program designed to provide in-depth knowledge in a specific area of the sports industry. It combines advanced learning, a practical methodology, and the expertise of industry professionals to develop skills that can be immediately applied in the workplace. It is an ideal option for professionals who want to specialize or advance their careers through a shorter commitment than a master's degree.
Johan Cruyff Institute's Postgraduate Diplomas combine academic excellence, practical learning, and an international perspective on the sports industry. You'll learn from experienced professionals and industry experts, develop specialized skills, and become part of a global community of students and alumni.
A postgraduate program is the right choice for professionals who want to specialize in a specific area of the sports industry without committing to a longer master's degree. It is especially suited for those looking to update their knowledge, develop new skills, or prepare for new professional challenges.
Admission requirements vary by program. Each postgraduate program webpage provides detailed information about the ideal candidate profile, required academic background, professional experience (when applicable), and the documentation needed to apply.
Not always. Some Postgraduate Diplomas are designed for professionals with experience in the sports industry, while others are also open to candidates from different sectors who are looking to transition into sports. Please refer to the specific admission requirements for each program.
If there is anything you could not find on this page, send us your question and our admissions team will get back to you.
Alianza Lima joins Johan Cruyff Institute’s group of corporate partners
