The Business of Football

In this episode of The Business of Football Network, David Chimbaza sits down with Ludovica Cialone, Partnerships Executive at World Football Summit, to explore the challenges of entering the football industry, overcoming rejection and building a professional career while still studying at university. After receiving 42 job rejections before securing her opportunity at World Football Summit, Ludovica shares her experience of turning a passion for football into a career in the business side of the sport.
Ludovica explains how she progressed from studying economics and management in Rome to pursuing a Master's degree in Madrid, before joining World Football Summit as an intern and progressing into a full time partnerships role. She discusses the difficulties facing young professionals when employers demand previous experience, the importance of gaining practical skills through different opportunities and how she balances academic commitments with her professional responsibilities.
The conversation also explores her experience working at World Football Summit Madrid 2026, where she engaged with senior executives, club presidents and decision makers from across international football. Ludovica reflects on the confidence required to work alongside experienced industry professionals, the importance of international networking and why young people should not be discouraged from pursuing opportunities in football, even when facing repeated rejection.
For anyone interested in football business, sports careers, networking, professional development or finding their first opportunity in the football industry, this episode offers a valuable perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the next generation of football business professionals.
Contact Ludovica: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ludovica-cialone/
HOST BIO
Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launching his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience. Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry.
ACCESS OUR FREE FOOTBALL NETWORKING GUIDE:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSffMip0TFkgJOoo9ptbH9uZ67fTWvFai57QPBOy07J7D80J8A/viewform
OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thebusinessoffootballnetwork

In this episode of The Business of Football Network, David Chimbaza speaks with Devin Barclay, a former MLS player and Ohio State football kicker who transitioned into the business side of sport through Nike and now works as a football agent in North America. Devin shares his unique journey across two sports, two locker rooms and multiple chapters of his career, offering a rare perspective on what it takes to move from athlete to corporate professional to representative.
Devin explains how his experience as a professional athlete helped shape the skills that made him successful at Nike, including adaptability, resilience, teamwork and the ability to handle success and failure quickly. He discusses his transition from playing in MLS to working in sales, sports marketing and demand planning, before eventually moving into the agent space to support players across every aspect of their lives.
The conversation also explores the differences between working in the US and European football markets. Devin reflects on the pace, efficiency and directness of working with a UK based agency, the global nature of football, and why no two conversations with players, families or clubs are ever the same. He also discusses the changing sponsorship landscape, the growing competition among brands and the importance of helping athletes build meaningful connections beyond the pitch.
Finally, Devin reflects on the rewards of agent work, from helping players achieve major moves and career goals to supporting their life planning and transition beyond football. This episode is a powerful look at athlete identity, career change and the human side of the football business, showing how the lessons learned on the pitch can shape success long after playing ends. 

In this special mini-pod episode of The Business of Football Network, David Chimbaza reflects on his conversation with Gus Hurdle and John Brennan, the founders of Aurora Sport, recorded at the World Football Summit in Madrid. Aurora Sport is a new venture focused on building a dedicated platform for women’s football, combining club investment, performance support, commercial development and content to help the women’s game grow on its own terms.
The episode explores why Aurora believes women’s football needs infrastructure designed specifically for female athletes, rather than simply adapting systems originally built around men’s football. Gus and John discuss the importance of performance data, injury prevention, facilities, recovery and access to high-quality playing environments, particularly for clubs lower down the women’s pyramid where resources are often limited.
David also reflects on the wider history of women’s football, including the remarkable support and attendances the game attracted before it was banned in the UK. He challenges the idea that women’s football is only now discovering its audience, arguing instead that the support has always existed but the investment, facilities and structures have not always matched it.
This episode is a thoughtful look at how women’s football can be professionalised in a way that puts players first, creates commercial sustainability and gives young girls the best possible opportunity to play, develop and succeed in the game.

In this solo founder’s update, David Chimbaza returns to The Business of Football podcast to reflect on the network’s growth, the lessons learned from interviewing leaders across football, and the importance of emotional intelligence in building a career in the industry. Recorded after a busy period of content, events and international coverage, David shares an honest look at the realities of growing an independent platform without corporate backing or established club connections.
David discusses why starting something, whether a podcast, blog, social platform or business, can be the first step towards creating opportunities in football. He reflects on how the network has evolved from a podcast into a broader media platform, attending events, interviewing people in person and abroad, and building genuine relationships with leaders, organisations and professionals across the industry.
The conversation also explores emotional intelligence as a practical career skill. David explains how understanding his own nerves, self doubt and pressure has helped him become a better interviewer, communicator and networker, while also learning how to read the energy, emotions and needs of the people he speaks with. He connects these lessons to football itself, from working with different fan cultures to managing relationships inside clubs, businesses and organisations.
This episode is a personal reflection on patience, consistency, rejection, growth and belief. David shares what he has learned from the moments that did not go to plan, why small wins matter, and why he remains committed to building The Business of Football Network into a platform that can support and inspire people in football for years to come.
 
 
 
 
 

 
In this episode of The Business of Football Network, David Chimbaza sits down with Kevin Kane, Vice President of International Consulting at Navigate, to explore the global business of football and the growing differences between sport and sponsorship in the United States and the United Kingdom. With more than a decade of experience across MLS, Liga MX, US Soccer, Premier League clubs and major global brands, Kevin offers a detailed look at how football has evolved into a 365-day commercial industry.
Kevin explains how clubs are increasingly looking beyond matchday revenue to hospitality, membership models, stadium development and international fan engagement. He discusses why Premier League clubs are rethinking premium hospitality, how Fulham’s Riverside development offers a useful case study, and why clubs must balance commercial growth with protecting the experience of local supporters.
The conversation also explores the globalisation of football, including why only around 15–20% of a major club’s Premier League viewership may come from the UK, and how clubs such as Manchester United have built enormous international audiences across the US, Indonesia, Nigeria and India. Kevin compares the Premier League’s club-led international growth with the more centralised approach taken by American leagues such as the NFL, while examining what football can learn from Formula One and other global sports
For anyone interested in football business, sponsorship, stadium strategy, international expansion or the commercial future of the Premier League, this episode offers a detailed and practical insight into how the modern game is being built beyond the pitch.
Contact Kevin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-kane/
 
HOST BIO
Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launching his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience. Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry. 
ACCESS OUR FREE FOOTBALL NETWORKING GUIDE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSffMip0TFkgJOoo9ptbH9uZ67fTWvFai57QPBOy07J7D80J8A/viewformOUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/ Youtube:

In this special guest episode of The Business of Football Network, David Chimbaza speaks with Luis Morales, Manager of Competitions at FIBA, about his remarkable journey across baseball, football and basketball. Born and raised in Venezuela, Luis began his career in professional baseball before moving to the United States, working with Major League Baseball organisations, the US Soccer Federation, New York City FC and eventually international basketball competitions.
Luis explains how his early experiences with the Cleveland Guardians and St. Louis Cardinals shaped his understanding of player development, academy operations, budgeting, travel, scouting and international recruitment. He discusses his work with young players in the Dominican Republic and the United States, including the importance of helping athletes adapt to new cultures, languages and environments while receiving the support they need to develop both professionally and personally.
The conversation explores the similarities and differences between baseball, football and basketball, particularly around talent identification, technology, player welfare and development. Luis compares the unique demands of national-team environments, where staff may only have players for a few days at a time, with club structures that allow for year-round development. He also explains how player development requires significant investment in coaching, accommodation, travel, nutrition, training facilities and support staff, even when there is no immediate financial return.
Luis reflects on his experience with the US Soccer Federation’s youth national teams, travelling internationally to compete against top opposition, preparing for major tournaments and helping young players understand the demands of elite sport. He also discusses his transition into first-team football operations at New York City FC and how that experience broadened his perspective before moving into competition management at FIBA.
Finally, Luis shares lessons from travelling through different sporting cultures, including Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Argentina, Morocco, Chile and the United States. He highlights the passion found in each country, the long-term planning behind Morocco’s youth development success, and the difference between developing players for immediate results and preparing them to succeed at the highest level. This episode offers a fascinating cross-sport perspective on leadership, player development, competition management and the global business of sport.

Live from The World Football Summit in Madrid, David Chimbaza speaks with Irina Saltykova, a mental performance coach based in Málaga, Spain, about the psychological side of football and athletic performance. Irina explains how she helps athletes perform under pressure, strengthen their mindset and develop the confidence needed to reach a higher level.
 
CONTACT IRNA: saltykova.pro@gmail.com
The conversation explores the mental challenges faced by both young players and adults, including fear of making mistakes, match-day anxiety, distraction, self-doubt and the pressure of feeling responsible for a team’s result. Iryna explains how one-to-one sessions create a safe environment where athletes can express their emotions honestly and begin to understand the thoughts affecting their performances.
Irina also discusses the differences between working with teenagers and adult athletes, highlighting how younger players may be more open about fear and nervousness, while adults can sometimes view emotional struggles as a sign of weakness. She explains why focus, confidence, emotional awareness and decision-making are essential parts of performance, particularly when technical and physical ability alone are not enough.
Finally, Irina shares how she supports athletes before games and competitions through practical tools, preparation techniques, communication and anxiety-management strategies. She also reflects on attending the World Football Summit for a second time, the value of meeting professionals from across the industry, and the importance of creating connections and collaborative opportunities within football and sport.

In this interview live from The World Football Summit in Madrid, David Chimbaza speaks with Fernando Costa Almeida, CEO of Apoel Football Club in Cyprus, about club leadership, financial restructuring, academy development and the importance of building trusted networks in the football industry. Fernando shares his journey from helping APOEL during its league-winning period to becoming involved in the club’s financial planning and search for new investment.
Fernando explains the challenges of preparing a major club for investment, particularly when expectations are built around constant success in domestic competitions and European football. He discusses the difficult decision to reduce the football budget by around 40%, manage supporter and board expectations, address debt and create a more balanced relationship between revenue and expenditure. He also reflects on the importance of always having alternative plans and continuing to search for sustainable solutions in a financially demanding industry.
The conversation also explores Fernando’s belief that the academy is the heart of the club. He discusses his commitment to watching academy matches, integrating young players into the first-team environment and helping Cyprus develop a stronger football pathway. With several young APOEL players progressing into professional football and national-team involvement, Fernando explains why he believes Cyprus has the potential to qualify for a future World Cup.
Finally, Fernando shares his perspective on attending football business events, from transfer forums to global summits, and why networking remains one of the most valuable tools in football. In an industry where information is increasingly accessible through technology, he argues that trust, shared vision and personal relationships are still essential when seeking advice, solving problems, finding investors or building international partnerships.
 
APOEL Football Club FC: https://apoelfc.com.cy/

In this interview live from the World Football Summit interview, David Chimbaza speaks with Kimi Onana, Managing Partner at Crown & Shields Legal, about the importance of intellectual property in modern football. A Nigerian lawyer based in the Netherlands, Kimi specialises in intellectual property law and works across African jurisdictions, helping clients protect and exploit valuable intellectual property rights.
Kimi explains why footballers should view themselves not only as athletes, but also as commercial brands. He explores the importance of protecting names, images, trademarks and personal identities, using examples such as Cristiano Ronaldo’s CR7 brand to show how a player’s reputation and following can create long-term commercial value through licensing, partnerships and brand development.
The conversation also highlights how intellectual property can become a long-term investment and potentially support a player well beyond their playing career. Kimi discusses the importance of registering trademarks early, protecting rights across multiple territories and understanding how those rights can continue to generate value after retirement, potentially benefiting future generations when properly managed.
David and Kimi also discuss why many footballers remain unaware of the value of their intellectual property, the growing awareness among players and the need for stronger education within the football industry. With experience across Nigeria, South Africa, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States, Kimi shares why preparation, professional advice and early action are essential for anyone looking to protect and maximise their identity in football.
 
Crown & Shields Legal: https://www.crownandshieldslegal.com/
Kimi Onana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimi-onana-84687b11b/

An interview live from The World Football Summit, Founder of The Business and Football Network, David Chimbaza speaks with Emmanuel Mireku Attah, CEO of Manna Fresh Football Club, about his journey from professional footballer to football business leader and youth development advocate. After an injury ended his playing career, Emmanuel turned to education, completing a master’s degree in football business before focusing on building a new development pathway for young players in Ghana and across Africa.
Emmanuel explains the vision behind Manna Fresh Football Club: to identify talented young players, provide them with the structure and support they need, and help them progress towards professional football. He discusses the gap between the talent available across Africa and the facilities, systems and development pathways currently accessible to many young players, particularly those who train and play on poor surfaces without the same level of infrastructure available in Europe.
The conversation explores the importance of investing not only in pitches and facilities, but also in education, nutrition, mental health, coaching, data and long-term player development. Emmanuel reflects on how countries such as Morocco have made progress through stronger structures, while arguing that every African nation has the potential to improve by identifying its own weaknesses and building systems that allow young players to reach their full potential.
Manna Fresh Football Club’s ambitions extend beyond producing professional players. Emmanuel explains why the project also aims to create wider career pathways within football, helping young people explore opportunities as coaches, scouts, agents and other football professionals if they do not become players themselves. He also discusses the club’s search for partners, investors and supporters who share the vision of reducing wasted talent and helping African football become more competitive on the world stage