Day 1 – Strategy, Investment & Innovation
• Gijs de Jong
Host introduction, Soccerex exec welcome note, KNVB speech Ajax intro and Arena comments
• Tim Krul
We kick off Soccerex Europe 2026 with an exclusive one-to-one conversation with Dutch football icon Tim Krul. Drawing on an elite playing career and his experience now as an analyst and investor, Tim will share personal reflections, industry insights, and his perspective on football’s evolution, setting the agenda and tone for the days ahead at Soccerex Europe.
• Jeff Lahart
• Dennis Gerkes
• Josephina Oji
• Ben Miller
Diversity and inclusion are no longer optional, they are essential to the future of the game. This panel brings together leaders from clubs, governing bodies, and industry partners to discuss how football can better reflect the communities it serves. From pathways and representation to culture, governance, and opportunity, speakers will share practical strategies, real-world initiatives, and lessons learned in creating a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable football ecosystem.
• Ollie Cantrill
• Charlie Methven
• Kyle Israel
• Christian Nourry
Private equity, sovereign wealth, multi-club ownership and new investment vehicles are changing football’s financial landscape. This panel examines what investors want, how clubs can position themselves for capital, and the risks and rewards of modern football finance
• Aaryaman Banerji
• Roy Vermeer
• Graham I Smith
With financial regulation tightening and competitive balance under scrutiny, this session examines domestic league policies and their real-world impact. How can football remain sustainable, competitive, and globally attractive while managing regulation effectively?
• Dr. Ravi Gill
• Tom Kopelman
As the demands on elite players continue to rise, performance has become a key differentiator on and off the pitch. This panel brings together leading voices from clubs, federations, and performance specialists to explore how data, sports science, technology, and holistic athlete management are reshaping player development, longevity, and match-day impact. Attendees will gain practical insights into how today’s teams are building faster, fitter, and more resilient players for the modern game
• Sander van Stiphout
• Mauro Steentjes
Modern stadiums are year-round commercial platforms. This panel explores how clubs and cities are monetising venues through entertainment, mixed-use developments, data capture, and non-matchday experiences.
• Frederique de Laat
• Bianca Rech
• Kirsten Sibbit
Women’s football has moved beyond potential into a serious commercial proposition. This panel explores investment models, media rights, sponsorship growth, club integration strategies, and what’s required to build a sustainable women’s football economy globally.
• Derk van Kleeff
• Maiquel Mello
• Thomas Van Schaik
Today’s fans expect more than 90 minutes of football. This panel explores how organisations are building player brands, communities, leveraging data, personalizing content, and creating lifelong engagement through digital and physical experiences.
• Terry Flewers
• Nick Lewis
• Marc Bircham
• Sandy Mair
Traditional broadcasters, OTT platforms, creators and club-owned media are reshaping football storytelling. This session looks at monetisation, audience growth, and how football content is evolving globally.
• Eva Gerritse
• Toan Ravenscroft
Modern sponsorship is about integration, storytelling, and measurable impact. This panel explores how brands and rights holders are building deeper, more authentic partnerships that deliver ROI beyond logos.
Day 2 – Technology, Infrastructure & Future of the Game
• Tom Gorringe
• Gareth Jennings
• Dirk Shluenz
• Jan Willem van Dop
What does leadership look like in today’s football industry? CEOs and presidents discuss culture, decision-making, crisis management, and leading organisations under constant public scrutiny.
• Marlon Glean
• Henning Bindzus
• Chris Kinnear
• Fernando Almeida
From Africa to Asia and the Middle East, football’s future growth lies beyond traditional strongholds. This session explores market entry strategies, cultural considerations, grassroots development, and commercial opportunities in emerging football regions.
• Jim McCarthy
• Francis Smith
• Dominik Schreyer
Matchday remains a core revenue driver. This panel explores pricing strategy, premium experiences, hospitality innovation and fan monetisation.
• Steyn Akkerman
• Florian Ingwersen
• Roger Bongaerts
• Ruben Jongkind
Youth development is both a sporting and commercial strategy. This panel examines global academy models, talent pathways, education, and long-term value creation.
• Blair McNally
• Patrick McCreanor
• Maria Biguzzi
• Miles Addy
A look at the rise of football business media platforms, thought leadership, and how content is shaping industry narratives and commercial value.
• Gareth Smith
Data is redefining recruitment and performance. This session explores how clubs are using analytics to identify talent, manage risk, and gain competitive advantage.
• GIlbert Martina
Curaçao has emerged as one of the most compelling stories in international football, combining a strong Caribbean identity with a strategic approach to player recruitment and development. By tapping into its diaspora, particularly players developed within European systems, the federation has built a competitive squad capable of challenging established nations across CONCACAF.
Get ready for an event packed full of insights and connections
See you in Europe.
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