David Mackalister Silva: “Studying at Johan Cruyff Institute was the best way to prepare for the challenges of the future”

February 3, 2025

David Mackalister Silva: “Estudiar en Johan Cruyff Institute es la mejor manera de prepararme para los desafíos del futuro”.

David Mackalister Silva is the captain of Millonarios FC, a Colombian first-division club. Alongside his football career, he completed the Master in Football Business Online at Johan Cruyff Institute

With a 20-year career, David Mackalister Silva has been a key figure in Colombian football, recognized for his leadership on the field and deep commitment to the sport. At 38, captaining Millonarios FC represents the pinnacle of his playing career. However, his interest in life after football led him to enroll in the master’s program at Johan Cruyff Institute.

“The master’s degree has given me a better understanding of the industry, business processes, and the importance of having a strategic mindset to succeed in football”, Silva explains. While he still has a few more years left as a player, he already feels prepared for his post-football career. In this interview, he shares his academic experience at Johan Cruyff Institute and his future plans.

You have had a long career in football. What do you consider to be the most important milestones so far?

My professional career began in 2004-2005 when I was 18. That year, I made my debut for Millonarios FC, the club where I currently play, and took my first steps in professional football. I then moved to Deportivo Pereira, another Colombian club, where I stayed for six months.

"Studying at Johan Cruyff Institute was the best way to prepare for the challenges of the future”.

David Mackalister Silva during the Millonarios FC vs Santa Fé match on December 6, 2024.

After that experience, I returned to Millonarios, but it was a tough comeback—I didn’t win anything. My contract was terminated, and I found myself without a club for a few months. Eventually, I joined Bogotá Fútbol Club in the second division, followed by stints at Real Cartagena and Deportes Tolima.

In 2014, I returned to Millonarios, and after a few years, I became the team captain. Throughout my career, I’ve won six championships in Colombia, five of them with Millonarios. I also had the honor of representing the Colombian national team, which was a source of immense pride, especially achieving it at the age of 37.

Having a successful football career, what motivated you to study the Master in Football Business Online at Johan Cruyff Institute?

As I mentioned, there was a period in my career when I was out of work for six months, without a contract with any club. That experience made me realize that footballers live in a bubble. We have everything at our disposal, all the comforts, and sometimes we don’t fully appreciate the value of money—we assume it will always be there.

Over time, after talking with many friends and seeing former teammates struggle after retirement due to a lack of preparation, I decided I wanted to equip myself with knowledge for the future. That’s when I understood that studying at Johan Cruyff Institute was the best way to prepare myself for the challenges ahead.

“I am sure that 90% of footballers aren’t aware of the opportunities that marketing offers, particularly how to use it effectively for monetization.”

During your academic experience at Johan Cruyff Institute, what knowledge or skills do you consider the most valuable for your post-football career?

I would say leadership and people management. I realized that leading people isn’t just about knowing how to communicate—it’s about genuinely connecting with their objectives and interests.

I also learned a lot about media management, which I consider crucial. Many footballers don’t fully understand the impact of the media or the importance of their words and actions.

Another key area was marketing. I’m sure that 90% of footballers aren’t aware of the opportunities that marketing offers, particularly how to use it effectively for monetization. When it comes to sports management, I see a lot of room for growth in Colombia. Thanks to the master’s program, my perspective on the industry has expanded significantly.

“The flexibility of Johan Cruyff Institute’s online format was also crucial—it allowed me to manage my time in a way that fit my schedule as a professional athlete.”

As an athlete, how did you balance your studies with the demands of professional football?

In Colombia, balancing both is even more challenging. For example, we play around 65 matches per year, plus extensive travel for tournaments. But if you really want to do it, you can. One of the keys I found was making the most of my free time.

In theory, footballers have a lot of downtime, but it’s often difficult to use it productively. That’s why I made a conscious effort to dedicate my free time to studying.

It was definitely a challenge to find the right balance, but with good organization, I managed it. I knew that every moment invested in my studies was a long-term investment in my future. The flexibility of Johan Cruyff Institute‘s online format was also crucial—it allowed me to manage my time in a way that fit my schedule as a professional athlete.

Looking ahead, what are your plans in sports management or football once you retire?

After the eye-opening experience of the master’s program, I feel a strong desire to contribute to the sport and drive positive change. I have many ideas, but I’m still deciding on my next step. Right now, my focus is on continuing to prepare myself so that when the time comes, I’m ready to make a meaningful impact.

One of the key lessons I took from Johan Cruyff Institute is that football isn’t just about what happens on the pitch—it’s a business, an organization, and a strategy-driven industry. The master’s program gave me a much broader perspective on sports management, from planning and sustainability to marketing, team management, and legal aspects.

“In Colombia, statistics show that only 22% of professional players actively plan for their post-football careers, and just 6% pursue higher education.”

What advice would you give to footballers who are thinking about their post-playing careers?

First, I would congratulate them on their initiative. In Colombia, statistics show that only 22% of professional players actively plan for their post-football careers, and just 6% pursue higher education. So, anyone who is already thinking ahead belongs to a small but smart minority. I would also tell them that it’s never too late to learn or study, but every day is valuable—so don’t waste time.

While still playing, it’s crucial to use the time wisely and start preparing for the future. The world of sports, especially football, evolves rapidly, and being ready for that transition is essential. Continuing education not only opens new doors but also provides the tools to navigate the challenges that come after leaving the field.

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