Johan Cruyff Institute celebrated the graduation of its online programs, highlighting the students’ dedication and camaraderie and taking pride in continuing to educate professionals in the sports industry.
As every year, a new generation of future sports industry leaders gathered to celebrate the graduation of Johan Cruyff Institute’s online programs. The event took place in the auditorium at Espacio IMO, located in the Sarrià neighbourhood, at the foot of the magnificent Collserola Park, offering privileged views of the city of Barcelona. There, the 76 graduates celebrated alongside their families after successfully completing their academic journey.
Espacio IMO welcomed graduates from Johan Cruyff Institute’s various online programs: the Master in Football Business Online, the Master in Sport Business Online (Sports Management and Sports Marketing), the Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Marketing and Sponsorship Online, and the Postgraduate Diploma in Football Business Online.
Online program graduation: a celebration of dedication and teamwork
Víctor Jordan, Academic Director at Johan Cruyff Institute, welcomed the graduates and reflected on the importance of dedication in achieving their goals: “Each of you has demonstrated commitment, perseverance and a passion for sport. The challenges you faced throughout the program have only strengthened your abilities and resilience.
“It is important to look back and recognise the work you put in to be here today receiving your diploma. Today, we celebrate a new generation of professionals equipped with the knowledge to drive the sports industry forward.”
The next speech was delivered by Lukas Dorda, Director of International Relations at Johan Cruyff Institute, who congratulated the graduates on completing this stage of their education and highlighted the importance of an international perspective in an increasingly globalised sports industry: “The sports industry offers opportunities that transcend borders. International education and the exchange of experiences are essential to understanding its complexity and preparing professionals to face the challenges of a constantly evolving sector.”
Before the diplomas were presented, Inês Castro, a graduate of the Master in Football Business Online, delivered a short speech on behalf of the 2025–2026 graduating class:”To our professors: thank you for sharing your knowledge, for your patience, and for pretending not to notice when our cameras were ‘mysteriously’ turned off”.
“To Johan Cruyff Institute: thank you for giving us the opportunity to learn and grow.”
The beginning of a long professional journey
The ceremony continued with the presentation of diplomas, as students received their qualifications from Johan Cruyff Institute professors. The final part of the event featured the presentation of the Special Recognition for Best Academic Record Award 2025–2026. Albert Romans, General Manager of Johan Cruyff Institute, took to the stage to present the awards. This year, five students received recognition across three categories:
- Best Final Master Project Award and Best Academic Record Award – Vanessa Wedick
- Academic Recognition Award – Edward Both, Emely van der Vliet and Geert Lantink
To close the event, Jordi Cruyff addressed the new Johan Cruyff Institute alumni and celebrated this new cohort of sports industry professionals: “This ceremony marks the end of a journey. I hope you have enjoyed it and learned a lot. I hope we have helped prepare you for the next stage of your lives. The most important thing now is to put everything you have learned into practice and have the ambition to improve every day.”
The ceremony concluded with a cocktail reception, where the new Johan Cruyff Institute alumni celebrated with their families and loved ones and connected with their classmates, colleagues and professors. A new generation of industry professionals is ready to take sport to the next level and continue Johan Cruyff’s legacy.
