The Football Economy
The Football Economy is a show that breaks down the financial and operational aspects of the football industry. Produced by Berlin Growth Advisory (BGA), it offers insights into how clubs, investors, and executives can unlock hidden value, optimize operations, and drive sustainable growth. The podcast invites guests with operational knowledge, academic expertise, and global understanding of the football business.
Episodes
Silicon Valley to Stamford Bridge with Adriel Lares | Ep. 60
In this conversation, Adriel Lares, CFO of Chelsea Football Club, shares insights from his diverse career spanning Silicon Valley and the sports industry. He discusses the pivotal role of mentorship in shaping his journey, the importance of situational awareness in new roles, and the evolving responsibilities of CFOs in the age of AI. Adriel also explores capital allocation strategies in football,
How AI is Revolutionizing Football Transfers with Wout Pauwels | Ep. 59
In this episode of the football economy show, host Ibrahim interviews Wout Pauwels, CEO of CEO & Co-Founder at SquadAssist, a platform that leverages artificial intelligence to predict the return on investment (ROI) of football players in the transfer market. Wout shares his journey from a fascination with technology and football to creating a startup that addresses the inefficiencies in playe
Investing in Sports Talent with Mohamed Salah | Ep. 58
In this episode of The Football Economy show, host Ibrahim speaks with Mohamed Salah, a football operations manager at Right to Dream. They discuss Mohammed's journey from a passionate football player in Egypt to his role in one of the world's leading youth development organizations. The conversation goes into the unique model of Right to Dream, which combines education and football traini
Building Winning Teams Off the Field with Dave Slemen | Ep. 57
In this episode of The Football Economy show, host Ibrahim speaks with Dave Slemen, a founding partner of Elite Performance Partners. They discuss the importance of practicality in sports consulting, the challenges of measuring success in hiring, and the pay disparity between on-field and off-field roles. Dave shares insights from his experience building a team from scratch at San Diego FC and the
A Data Scientist's Journey in Football with Dr. Hadi Sotudeh | Ep. 56
In this episode of The Football Economy Podcast, host Ibrahim speaks with Dr. Hadi Sotudeh, a data scientist specializing in football analytics. Hadi Sotudeh discusses the evolving role of data science in football, emphasizing the importance of robust data departments, the integration of AI in recruitment, and the challenges of data security. He highlights the need for clubs to adopt a long-term p
A New Model for Football Development in Africa with Luis Coll Jauregui | Ep. 55 with Luis Coll Jauregui | Ep. 55
In this episode of the football economy show, host Ibrahim speaks with Luis Coll, CEO and co-founder of LAMSA, the first football academy based in a former refugee camp in West Africa. Luis shares his journey from a finance background to building an academy driven by a mission to provide opportunities for youth both on and off the field. He discusses LAMSA's unique economic model that diversif
Why Smart Money Is Starting to Move Into Women's Football Why Smart Money Is Starting to Move Into Women's Football with Tommy Nodam Jensen | Ep. 54 | Ep. 54
In this episode of the football economy show, host Ibrahim speaks with Tommy Nodam Jensen, founder of Pitch15, about the evolving landscape of women's sports and the investment opportunities it presents. Tommy shares insights from his journey as a professional athlete to becoming a key player in the sports investment sector, emphasizing the need for more focus and resources in women's sports. He d
The Real Reason Infantino's FIFA Chooses Money Over Reform with Prof. Simon Chadwick | Ep. 53
In this episode of the football economy show, Professor Simon Chadwick discusses the evolving relationship between football, geopolitics, and the global economy. He highlights how the political landscape, particularly the influence of the United States, has reshaped the sports industry. The conversation delves into the implications of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East on sports investments and
Why Africa Is Football's Most Untapped Goldmine with Harry Varley | Ep. 52
In this episode of the football economy show, host Ibrahim speaks with Harry Varley, a high-performance specialist in African football. They explore Varley's journey through the game, his philosophical insights, and the cultural narratives that shape how talent is found and developed across the continent. The conversation digs into the challenges of scouting in Africa, the human element behind
Building Football Clubs & Brands with Matt Rizzetta | Ep. 51
In this episode of the football economy show, host Ibrahim interviews Matt Rizzetta, founder of Underdog Global Partners. They discuss Matt's journey from starting a marketing agency to investing in sports, the influence of his Italian heritage, and the importance of family in shaping his career. Matt shares insights on marketing's role in business, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the inno
Sports Agents in the Modern Game with Ricardo Pinho | Ep. 50
In this episode of the Football Economy, host Ibrahim speaks with Ricardo Pinho, a seasoned football agent with over two decades of experience in player representation, management, and transfer negotiations. They discuss the evolution of player representation, the day to day life of an agent, misconceptions about agents, scouting in the Portuguese market, opportunities in African football, the eco
The Future of Talent Management in Sports with Sanmi Balogun | Ep. 49
In this episode of The Football Economy, host Ibrahim interviews Sanmi Balogun, founder of Escal8 Agency and co-founder of VTL8 Media. Sanmi shares insights into the changing relationship between football, media, and talent management, exploring how creators are building media businesses, managing their intellectual property, and using new platforms to grow influence and commercial value. He also
The Future of Sports Media with Jo Redfern | Ep. 48
In this episode of the football economy, host Ibrahim interviews Jo Redfern, a strategic thinker in sports, media, and youth culture. Jo shares insights from her 20-year career, discussing how fan behavior is evolving in a platform-driven world. She emphasizes the importance of engaging Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences across platforms like YouTube and Roblox. Jo also explores the intersection of spo
Creating Opportunities in Sports with Jeremiah White III | Ep. 47
In this episode of The Football Economy Show, host Ibrahim speaks with Jeremiah White, a multifaceted entrepreneur and former professional footballer. They discuss Jeremiah's journey from being a player to a successful investor and founder of White Sports Ventures. The conversation goes into themes of family legacy, the importance of work ethic, cultural insights from his time in Saudi Arabia,
From Player Representation to M&A with Cesare Marchetti | Ep. 46
In this episode of The Football Economy Show, host Ibrahim speaks with Cesare Marchetti, a FIFA licensed football agent and founder of Intermezzo Sports. Cesare discusses his transition from player representation to mergers and acquisitions in football, emphasizing the importance of networking and investment strategies. He shares insights on the acquisition of Kelty Hearts, the differences between
Transforming Indian Football with Neel Shah | Ep. 45
In this episode, Neel Shah shares his journey from a young boy in Southern California to becoming a key figure in the development of football in India. He discusses his early influences, the challenges he faced while working with Major League Soccer, and his bold move to India to help grow the sport. Neil emphasizes the importance of community engagement, networking, and building meaningful relati
From CFO to CEO: Niaz Shazad’s Football Journey | Ep. 44
In this episode of The Football Economy Podcast, host Ibrahim speaks with Niaz Shazad, a football executive with a diverse background in finance and leadership. Niaz shares insights from his career, including his time at City Football Group and Bolton Wanderers, discussing the importance of culture, leadership, and the challenges faced in the football industry. He emphasizes the significance of se
First-Person Stories in Football Media with Matthew Barrett | Episode 43
In this episode of the Football Economy Show, host Ibrahim discusses with Matthew Barrett, founder and CEO of GoalClick, the journey of his unique storytelling platform that captures the essence of football through the eyes of fans and communities worldwide. From its humble beginnings with a disposable camera in Sierra Leone to becoming a global entity, Barrett discusses the intersection of histor
Navigating the Football Economy with Tony Simpson | Episode 42
In this episode of the Football Economy Podcast, host Ibrahim discusses with Tony Simpson, a partner at Oliver Wyman, about the evolving landscape of the sports economy, the importance of diversity and inclusion in leadership roles, and the future of sports tourism. They explore the impact of cultural understanding on career success, the significance of emotional intelligence in leadership, and th
The Business of Women's Sports with Elena Mirandola | Episode 41
In this episode of The Football Economy Podcast, host Ibrahim speaks with Elena Mirandola, founder of The Breakaway and former CEO of F.C. Como Women. They discuss Elena's journey from digital marketing to sports leadership, the challenges faced by independent women's clubs, and innovative programs aimed at supporting female athletes. Elena shares insights on the importance of understandin
Building the Future of Soccer in North America with Kareem Rae | Episode 40
In this episode of The Football Economy, Ibrahim speaks with Kareem Rae, a former semi-professional footballer turned entrepreneur who is redefining how soccer talent is discovered and developed. Through ventures like One Soccer Nation, media platforms, and club ownership, Kareem is creating new pathways for grassroots players. They discuss talent development, the role of real estate in sports inf
The Future of AI in Sports with Jan Wendt | Episode 39
In this episode of The Football Economy, host Ibrahim speaks with Jan Wendt. Jan Wendt, CEO and co-founder of PLAIER, discusses the transformative role of AI in football, particularly in talent discovery and player evaluation. He explains how AI provides a comprehensive understanding of player contributions to team success, moving beyond traditional metrics. The conversation also touches on the fi
How Marketing Transformed U.S. Soccer with Carlo Castilla | Episode 38
In this episode of The Football Economy, host Ibrahim speaks with Carlo Castilla. Carlo shares his journey as a sports marketing visionary who helped transform how soccer engages with the Hispanic community in the United States. From his early life in Central America to his pivotal role in building the Chicago Fire’s Hispanic Marketing Division, Carlo discusses the importance of understanding cons
The Intersection of Sports and Law with Paul Musa | Episode 37
In this episode of the Football Economy, host Ibrahim speaks with Paul Musa. Paul shares his journey from a driven child in East London to a prominent sports lawyer and entrepreneur. He discusses the values instilled in him during childhood, the importance of leadership, and his entrepreneurial ventures, including founding What The Footie podcast and the Athlete Investor Summit. Paul reflects on h
The Sociology of Sports with Dr. Chris Platts | Episode 36
In this episode of the Football Economy, host Ibrahim speaks with Dr. Chris Platts about his extensive research on player development in football, emphasising the importance of sociology in understanding the sport. He explores concepts such as survivorship bias, the role of facilitator players, and the need for emotional intelligence in coaching. Dr. Platts introduces his 6E framework for player d
Japanese Football Development with Tom Byer | Episode 35
In this episode of the Football Economy, host Ibrahim speaks with Tom Byer about his remarkable journey from a traumatic childhood in New York to becoming a pivotal figure in Japanese football development. He discusses the importance of grassroots football, family involvement, and cultural factors in shaping young players. Tom also highlights his entrepreneurial spirit, the coerver method, and the
The Sports Creator Economy with Manny Brown | Episode 34
In this episode of the Football Economy, host Ibrahim speaks with Manny Brown, a prominent football content creator, shares his journey from a FIFA gamer to a leading figure in the creator economy. He discusses the evolution of content creation, the importance of community, and the impact of the Sidemen on football entertainment. Manny reflects on the challenges of balancing family life with conte
The Intersection of Finance and Football with Laurie Pinto | Episode 33
In this episode of the Football Economy podcast, host Ibrahim speaks with Laurie Pinto, a prominent figure in sports investment. They discuss Laurie's competitive upbringing, his unexpected journey into finance, and the skills he developed through gaming that have aided his career. Laurie shares insights on the evolving landscape of sports financing, the importance of understanding debt struct
Building a Global Apparel Brand with Diego Hurtado | Episode 32
In this episode of The Football Economy Podcast, Diego Hurtado, founder and CEO of Diaza Football, shares his inspiring journey from Colombia to the U.S. and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives his sports apparel company. He discusses the challenges of building a brand in the competitive landscape of football, the importance of community engagement, and the company's commitment to women's footb
The Epic Rise of Women's Sports with Tammy Parlour | Episode 31
In this episode of The Football Economy Podcast, Ibrahim discusses with Tammy Parlour, CEO of the Women's Sports Trust, her journey in advocating for women's sports. They explore the influence of martial arts on leadership, the impact of the 2012 Olympics on women's visibility in sports, and the mission of the Women's Sports Trust to create a sustainable ecosystem for female athlet
The Football Management Guide with Les Reed | Episode 30
In this conversation, Les Reed discusses the innovative approach to player scouting and recruitment through the development of the 'black box' system, which utilizes data analysis to identify talent before other clubs. He shares success stories of players like Sadio Mane and Virgil van Dijk, emphasizing the importance of succession planning in football clubs. Reed also reflects on the unique cultu
Inside Football Law with Alexander Bergweiler | Episode 29
In this episode of the Football Economy podcast, host Ibrahim interviews Alexander Bergweiler, a prominent sports lawyer with over 25 years of experience. They discuss the intersection of law and sports, the evolving landscape of player agent regulations, and the financial stability of German football clubs under the 50+1 rule. Alexander shares insights on the impact of FIFA regulations on player
Democratising Sports Investing with Hadi Halabi | Episode 28
In this episode of the Football Economy, host Ibrahim speaks with Hadi Halabi, co-founder and CEO of Stryde, about the evolving landscape of sports investing. They discuss how Stryde democratises access to sports investments, the growth of sports as an asset class, and the unique investment model Stryde employs. Hadi shares insights on the importance of governance in investments, the impact of med
The Power of Storytelling in Football with Nick Purewal | Episode 27
In this episode of the Football Economy, host Ibrahim engages with award-winning journalist Nick Purewal to explore the intricate relationship between storytelling and football. They discuss Nick's journey into sports journalism, the impact of Roman Abramovich on Chelsea FC, and the pivotal role of Marina Granovskaia in the club's success. The conversation also delves into the sale of Chel
Inside Sports Tech & Investment with Brian Kopp | Episode 26
In this episode of the Football Economy Podcast, host Ibrahim speaks with Brian Kopp, a partner at Ryan Sports Ventures, about the intersection of sports, technology, and investment. They discuss the evolution of sports as an investment class, the rise of sports technology, and the importance of data in player development and safety. Brian emphasises the need for balance between training and recov
Building the Future of African Football with Jan Gösgens | Episode 24 (Re uploaded)
Episode Re upload Notice:This episode has been re uploaded due to recent changes in Spotify’s policies regarding music rights. The original version was temporarily unavailable in select markets, including Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan, and the United States, because of the music used in the intro and outro.We’ve updated the episode to comply with the new guidelines so
The Rise of Japanese Football with Dan Orlowitz | Episode 23 (Re uploaded)
Episode Re upload Notice:This episode has been re uploaded due to recent changes in Spotify’s policies regarding music rights. The original version was temporarily unavailable in select markets , including Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan, and the United States, because of the music used in the intro and outro.We’ve updated the episode to comply with the new guidelines s
The Football Blueprint with Paul Barber | Episode 25
In this conversation, Paul Barber, CEO of Brighton, shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a pivotal figure in modern football. He discusses the importance of understanding both revenue and costs in business, the value of empathy in leadership, and the innovative marketing strategies he implemented during his time at the FA. Barber reflects on his experiences at Tottenham and Vancou
Building the Future of African Football with Jan Gösgens | Episode 24
In this episode of The Football Economy Podcast, host Ibrahim engages with Jan Gösgens, managing director of the West African Football Academy (WAFA), to discuss the structural forces shaping African football. They explore the talent development pipeline in Ghana, the evolution of WAFA, and the challenges and opportunities within the African football landscape. Jan shares insights on scouting, pla
The Rise of Japanese football with Dan Orlowitz | Episode 23
In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of Japanese football with Dan Orlowitz, a seasoned journalist and expert on the subject. Dan shares his experiences and insights gained over 18 years living in Japan, discussing the unique cultural aspects that shape the football landscape. The conversation covers Japan's football philosophy, grassroots development, the evolution of the J-Leag
The Path to Financial Stability with Joshua Price | Episode 22
In this episode, host Ibrahim discusses the intricate financial landscape of football, particularly in the lower leagues, with Joshua Price, founder and CEO of Goal Assist. They explore the challenges clubs face regarding financial sustainability, owner dependence, and the importance of governance and transparency. Joshua shares insights on enhancing match-day experiences, utilising financial plan
The Entrepreneur's Journey with Brett M. Johnson | Episode 21
In this episode, Brett M. Johnson, the CEO of Benevolent Capital and owner of Rhode Island FC, shares his journey in the world of sports investment and entrepreneurship. He discusses the influence of his entrepreneurial family background, the globalization of football, and the unique opportunities presented by his ventures, including the Rhode Island FC project. Brett elaborates on his investment
Financial Empowerment for Footballers with Eno Mwamba | Episode 20
In this conversation, Eno Mwamba, founder and CEO of The Football Banker, shares his journey from a politically influential family to becoming a leader in football finance. He discusses the importance of self-assurance, transformative education, and representation in leadership. Eno highlights the financial challenges faced by footballers and the need for better financial literacy. He outlines his
The Evolution of Football Agency with Tony Sharkey | Episode 19
In this episode of Football Economy, host Ibrahim speaks with Tony Sharkey, a seasoned football agent and founder of the Football Transfer Forum. They explore Tony's journey from aspiring professional footballer to a leading agent, discussing the misconceptions about the industry, the importance of networking, and the evolving landscape of football agency. The conversation also delves into the gro
Breaking Barriers in Football with Dr. Salma Mashhour with | Episode 18
In this episode, Ibrahim speaks with Dr. Salma Mashhour, an Egyptian football content creator and PhD researcher, about her journey in merging research with football storytelling. They discuss the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry, the importance of fan engagement, and the role of community in football. Dr. Salma shares insights on the Arab football fanbase, the impact of Eg
Navigating Life After Football with Nathan Thompson | Episode 17
In this episode of The Football Economy, host Ibrahim engages with Nathan Thompson, a professional footballer with MK Dons, to explore the intricacies of transitioning from a football career to life beyond the pitch. Nathan shares his personal journey, highlighting the importance of planning for career transitions and the concept of fractional twinning, which bridges the gap between players and ex
The Future of Sporting Directors with Dr. Daniel Parnell | Episode 16
In this episode of Football Economy, Ibrahim and Dr. Daniel Parnell discuss the evolving role of sporting directors in football. They explore the importance of governance, the impact of technology, and the need for effective communication within clubs. Dr. Parnell shares insights from his career and research, emphasizing the significance of leadership and stability in the sporting director role. T
The Inspiring Journey of Darragh MacAnthony | Episode 15
In this episode of The Football Economy Podcast, host Ibrahim speaks with Darragh MacAnthony, the influential owner of Peterborough United, about his journey from real estate to football ownership. They discuss the challenges faced during the Lehman Brothers crisis, the importance of accountability in sports ownership, and the financial commitments involved in running a football club. Darragh shar
The State of Women’s Football with Rachel Dugdale | Episode 14
In this episode of The Football Economy, Ibrahim interviews Rachel Dugdale, a Northern Ireland International and FA Women's Championship player. They discuss Rachel's journey in women's football, her educational background, the cultural differences in sports between the US and UK, and the challenges faced in women's football, including club crises and the importance of speaking out for change. Rac
Investing and Winning in European Football with Jordan Gardner | Episode 13
In this episode of The Football Economy Podcast, host Ibrahim speaks with Jordan Gardner, an American sports executive with extensive experience in European football. They discuss Gardner's journey from being a football fan to becoming a CEO and chairman of various clubs, including FC Helsingør. The conversation delves into the challenges of club management, the importance of cohesive strategy, an
Revolutionising Sports Leadership with Tony Faulkner | Episode 12
In this episode of The Football Economy Podcast, Tony Faulkner shares his journey from professional footballer to a leading voice in sports business innovation. He discusses the importance of resilience developed through sports, the role of neuroscience in enhancing performance, and the SCARF model for effective leadership. Faulkner emphasizes the evolving role of sporting directors in football, t
The Managers Philosophy with Stephen Constantine | Episode 11
In this episode of The Football Economy Podcast, host Ibrahim speaks with Stephen Constantine, an international head coach known for his transformative work in football across various continents. They discuss Stephen's unique coaching philosophy, his adaptability to different cultures, and the importance of resilience in overcoming early struggles in his career. Stephen shares insights on building
Navigating the Football Business with Tan Kesler | Episode 10
In this episode of The Football Economy, Ibrahim speaks with Tan Kesler, CEO and Vice-Chairman of Pogoń Szczecin and former Vice-Chairman of Hull City. Tan shares his journey from growing up as the son of a footballer in Turkey to becoming a respected executive in global football. He reflects on his strategic roles at the Turkish Football Federation, his leadership experience at Hull City, and the
The Evolution of Sports Finance with Rob Wilson | Episode 9
In this episode of the Football Economy, Ibrahim and Professor Rob Wilson discuss the transformative moments in sports finance, focusing on ownership models, media disruptions, and the evolving landscape of football. They explore the implications of celebrity ownership, the rise of multi-club ownership models, and the opportunities in women's football. The conversation also delves into the cha
The Business of Sports with Charlie Stebbings | Episode 8
In this episode of the Football Economy podcast, host Ibrahim speaks with Charlie Stebbings, a prominent figure in sports media and investment. They discuss the evolving landscape of sports business, focusing on the importance of communication, financial sustainability, and the growing trend of athletes as investors. Charlie shares insights on the challenges and opportunities within the sports ind
Governance, Growth & the Women’s Game with Dr. Christina Philippou | Episode 7
In this conversation, Christina Philippou discusses the evolving economics of football, particularly focusing on the financial sustainability and growth of women's football. She highlights the importance of fan engagement, the impact of multi-club ownership models, and the challenges posed by financial regulations. The discussion also touches on the global expansion of women's football and the pot
Unlocking India's Football Revolution with Dr. Sarthak Mondal | Episode 6
In this conversation, host Ibrahim speaks with Dr. Sarthak Mondal about the future of Indian football. Emphasising the need for a comprehensive roadmap that includes stakeholder engagement, financial stability, and a focus on youth development. He highlights the importance of learning from global football strategies, particularly from leagues like the J-League and MLS, and stresses the necessity
The Art of the Football deal with Alexander Jarvis | Episode 5
In this episode of the Football Economy, host Ibrahim, speaks with Alexander Jarvis about the complexities of football finance, club ownership, and the evolving landscape of investments in the sport. He discusses the shift in focus from Premier League clubs to lower leagues by American investors, the critical role of financial advisors, and the cultural misunderstandings that can arise in internat
The New Era of Football Finance with Professor Kieran Maguire
In this episode of the Football Economy podcast, host Ibrahim speaks with Professor Kieran Maguire about the complexities of football finance, focusing on the need for regulation, the financial disparities between leagues, and the importance of competition. He emphasises the necessity for transparency in financial dealings and the role of fans as stakeholders. The discussion also touches on the ch
The American Opportunity for European Football with Neil Joyce | Episode 3
In this episode of The Football Economy podcast, hosts Ibrahim and Martin engage with Neil Joyce, CEO of the CLV Group, to explore the challenges and opportunities for European football clubs looking to expand into the US market. The conversation delves into fan engagement strategies, the critical role of content creation, and how clubs can learn from other entertainment industries such as WWE. Ne
The Battle for Football’s Soul with Dr. Dan Plumley | Episode 2
In this episode of the Football Economy podcast, Ibrahim and Martin engage with Dr. Dan Plumley, a leading expert in sports finance, to explore the intricate relationship between football economics, fan loyalty, ownership models, and regulatory frameworks. The discussion delves into the social contract theory in football, the unique bond between clubs and fans, and the implications of ownership st
Geopolitics of Sports with Prof. Simon Chadwick | Episode 1
In this episode of the Football Economy podcast, hosts Ibrahim and Martin engage with Professor Simon Chadwick, a leading expert in sports, geopolitics, and business. The conversation delves into the intricate relationship between football and geopolitics, exploring how state-backed investments and the evolving landscape of sponsorship are reshaping the sport. Professor Chadwick discusses the uniq
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