Isabel Macias, Paula Garcia (Athletics), Clara Perez (Hockey), Laura Quevedo (Basketball), José Manuel Ruiz Ibáñez (Sailing), Erik Martorell (Cycling), Rafael Edgardo Burgos and Evgeny Bashkirov (Football) are the athletes awarded scholarships by Johan Cruyff Institute to study Sport Management through The Cruyff Athlete Fund.
As every year, The Cruyff Athlete Fund will allow international athletes to enjoy academic training. The aim of this scholarship fund is to support their transition from professional sports to the industry, as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of Johan Cruyff Institute.
This initiative is aligned with Johan Cruyff’s vision and is a way to carry on his legacy of developing the sports industry with professionals who follow a dual career path—combining experience on the field with strong academic preparation. For the athletes, this represents a great opportunity to take a step forward in their career, whether still active or already retired from competition.
This is the seventh edition of The Cruyff Athlete Fund since it was launched. Johan Cruyff Institute will welcome the following athletes to its Master in Sport Business Online, Postgraduate Diploma in Sport Management Online, and Postgraduate Diploma in Sport Marketing and Sponsorship Online programs:
Isabel Macias (40 – Spain). Olympic athlete at London 2012 and European silver medalist in 2013. She holds degrees in Physical Education Teaching (2005), Early Childhood Education (2009), and Journalism from the University of Zaragoza. “During and after my athletic career, I’ve always been aware of the importance of education for continuous growth. This scholarship is a great opportunity to keep working on becoming the best version of myself and to cross new finish lines,” says Isabel. Full scholarship for the Master in Sport Business Online.
Clara Pérez (24 – Spain). Spanish field hockey player, starting goalkeeper for the national team and for Atlètic Terrassa. She competed at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and was U21 European Champion in 2019. “Receiving this scholarship is a unique opportunity to continue my training in sport management without giving up my athletic career. I’m grateful to Johan Cruyff Institute for its commitment to us, the athletes, and its support in helping us build a professional future at the same time,” says Clara. Full scholarship for the Master in Sport Business Online.
Paula García (27 – Spain). Spanish sprinter, regular member of the national 4x100m relay team. She competed at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and won a bronze medal at the 2023 European Games in Krakow. She has also been a finalist in national and European championships, particularly in the 100m and 200m events. “I’m very grateful for the opportunity to grow beyond sport and prepare for the transition into a new professional stage. Thank you for supporting and believing in athletes’ potential beyond competition,” says Paula.Full scholarship for the Postgraduate Diploma in Sport Management Online.
Laura Quevedo (29 – Spain). Spanish basketball player who plays as a forward for LDLC ASVEL Féminin in the French league and for the national team. Olympic silver medalist with Spain in Rio 2016, she also competed in EuroBasket 2021 and 2023. “Receiving this scholarship is a huge boost for my athletic and academic career. Being able to keep playing while studying something I’m passionate about makes me feel very fortunate,” says Laura. Full scholarship for the Postgraduate Diploma in Sport Management Online.
José Manuel Ruiz Ibáñez (24 – Spain). Spanish sailor in the 49er class, national team member and Junior European runner-up in 2022. He competed at the 49er World Championship in The Hague as part of his preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. “As a high-performance athlete and entrepreneur in the sailing world, I work every day on projects that combine sport, marketing, and sponsorship. This training will provide me with highly valuable tools I can apply in my daily work, and doing it alongside experts would be a great opportunity,” says José. Partial scholarship for the Postgraduate Diploma in Sport Marketing and Sponsorship Online.
Rafael Edgardo Burgos (37 – El Salvador). Professional footballer, with a successful career in clubs in El Salvador, Europe, and North America. He played more than 50 matches and scored 13 goals for the national team. Since his retirement in 2023, he has focused on training young footballers and earned his C-level coaching license. “Receiving this partial scholarship is a very important step in my life. It’s not only an opportunity to keep learning but also a way to give back to the sport that has given me so much, and to continue impacting the lives of the children and youth I work with at my academy,” says Rafael. Partial scholarship for the Master in Sport Business Online.
Evgeny Bashkirov (34 – Russia). Professional footballer currently playing as a midfielder for Finnish club IF Gnistan. During his career, he played for Krylia Sovetov Samara, Rubin Kazan, Zagłębie Lubin, and VPS. He also represented Russia’s U19 national team, playing eight matches and scoring five goals. “This opportunity means a lot to me—not only as recognition of my passion and dedication to sport but also as a crucial step forward in achieving my professional and personal goals,” says Evgeny. Partial scholarship for the Master in Sport Business Online.
Erik Martorell (27 – Spain). Cyclist competing in both track and road cycling. He has represented Spain in European Championships and Nations Cups in events such as individual pursuit, elimination, and omnium. He raced with Manuela Fundación and is currently part of Team MP Group. Full scholarship for the Postgraduate Diploma in Sport Management Online.
