The Barcelona campus of Johan Cruyff Institute once again became a meeting point for the sports community during a new edition of the Cruyff Network Meeting.
Alumni, students, faculty members, and sports industry professionals came together to share experiences, build new connections, and continue strengthening a network that extends far beyond the classroom.
A gathering to strengthen the community
The event began with an informal reception, giving attendees the opportunity to reconnect and welcome new members of the community.
Sports journalist Eugenia Károlyi hosted the event and officially opened the gathering. A graduate of the Master in Football Business in partnership with FC Barcelona, Eugenia currently works as a Sports Journalist at NBC Universal Telemundo Enterprises, where she will serve as a commentator for the FIFA World Cup 2026. “Events like this are a great opportunity to meet and connect with other members of the community and find people with similar interests. Make the most of it,” she encouraged participants.
Ileana Alberto, Career Services & Alumni Manager at Johan Cruyff Institute, welcomed attendees and highlighted the value of the alumni network as a space for sharing knowledge and creating professional opportunities. She also announced the upcoming launch of a renewed version of the Alumni Campus.
Cruyff Alumni Talks: inspiring experiences
The main new feature of this year’s edition was the Cruyff Alumni Talks, a series of short presentations in which speakers were given eight minutes to share their professional experiences.
David Alegre and the challenge of the Ryder Cup 2031
The first speaker was David Alegre, former Spanish field hockey player and silver medalist at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. A graduate of the University Master’s Degree in Sports Management Barcelona in 2015, he currently serves as Marketing & Communications Director at the Catalan Golf Federation.
During his presentation, David explained the preparations underway for the Ryder Cup 2031, the world’s most prestigious team golf competition, which will be held in Girona:
“Today, the Ryder Cup is considered the third most impactful sporting event in the world in terms of media exposure, behind only the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup.”
Galia Dvorak and the Value of Networking
The second talk featured Galia Dvorak, former Spanish table tennis player and four-time Olympian. In 2021, she completed the Master in Sports Business and Marketing Blended Barcelona and currently serves as Deputy Secretary General of the European Table Tennis Union.
During her presentation, Galia described her responsibilities and daily work while emphasizing the importance of networking for professional development in the sports industry:
“Contacts are crucial. Take care of them, because in this industry they can make a real difference in your career.”
José Martín Alva and the importance of taking initiative
José Martín Alva was the third speaker. A graduate of the University Master’s Degree in Sports Management in Barcelona, he is the founder of ALTA SOLUCIONES, a project focused on athlete well-being. He also works as an Event Planner at The IRONMAN Group and as Marketing Director at Alcantara Family Foundation.
During his Cruyff Alumni Talk, José presented his project and shared advice for students looking to take their first steps in the sports industry:
“Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Go out and find them, learn from every experience, and surround yourself with people who inspire you to grow professionally.”
Networking and new opportunities
The event concluded with a networking cocktail reception, where students, alumni, faculty members, and industry professionals exchanged ideas, expanded their professional networks, and explored potential future collaborations in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Once again, the Cruyff Network Meeting reaffirmed Johan Cruyff Institute’s commitment to building a global community connected by a shared passion: contributing to the growth and professionalization of the sports industry.
