From different countries and professional backgrounds, graduates of Johan Cruyff Institute’s online programs are applying their knowledge to create new opportunities and contribute to the evolution of the sports industry.
The sports industry needs professionals who can understand its challenges and turn them into opportunities for growth. At Johan Cruyff Institute, online programs offer flexible, international education that allows students to balance their studies with their personal and professional lives. Students from countries such as the Netherlands, India, the United States, Kenya, and Ukraine share a learning experience designed to develop the skills needed to address the challenges facing the industry.
In this article, we explore the experiences of graduates from the Master in Football Business Online, the Master in Sport Business Online, and the University Master’s Degree in Sports Management Online. Their stories reflect different ways of growing professionally, gaining a deeper understanding of how sports organizations operate, and applying what they have learned in their respective fields. Discover the motivations, lessons, and ambitions of those looking to make their mark on the sports industry.
Yvonne Namai Mukabana
Master in Football Business Online
“The opportunity to study at Johan Cruyff Institute came through World Football Summit. I was one of the people awarded one of the scholarships on offer, which allowed me to study for this master’s degree. It has been a great opportunity for me”.
“It has been an incredible experience. The modules were delivered really well. In keeping with Johan Cruyff’s approach, it was a different, innovative, and exciting experience. The modules are taught in an unconventional way, just like Johan Cruyff himself, and it is great to see his principles and personality reflected in the content.”
Aaron King
Master in Sport Business Online
“I am a huge admirer of Johan Cruyff, and I firmly believe in his philosophy and his approach to life in general. So, it made sense to choose an institution that followed that model, and Johan Cruyff Institute was the perfect choice”.
“Honestly, my experience exceeded my expectations. The professors were excellent and incredibly knowledgeable. I learned a great deal during my time here, and I would recommend the institution without hesitation.”
Arjan Schaapman
Master in Football Business Online
“The first time I heard about Johan Cruyff Institute was when I noticed that many Dutch professional athletes were taking some kind of course there. I Googled it, thinking, ‘Hey, what exactly are they doing?’ While researching, I discovered other courses that might interest me, too. I had never heard of the Master in Football Business before, but when I read about it online, I became interested”.
“My experience has been very positive. I got the impression that Johan Cruyff Institute had a relatively small but highly proactive team. They always responded very quickly to any questions or concerns we had. Overall, it was a great experience because everything was quite flexible and there was no fixed schedule, so you could easily adapt the program to your preferences.”
Emely van der Vliet
Master in Football Business Online
“I finished my studies in the United States and then started playing professional football. After a couple of months, I realized I was getting a little bored outside training sessions and wanted to take on a new challenge. I had also completed a degree in Sport Management, but I wanted to specialize further because I still wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do. As a football player, I was particularly drawn to the business side of the game. I wanted to remain involved in women’s football, especially at the grassroots level.”
“I think the most important part was the people I met during the program, as well as those I connected with through my master’s project, which I completed with a football club in the Netherlands.”
Mohamed Emara
Master in Football Business Online
“Johan Cruyff Institute has a strong reputation. I did a lot of research before applying for this master’s degree. I looked for information online and spoke to many people in the industry. They all recommended studying at Johan Cruyff Institute because of its excellent reputation.”
“It has been a truly incredible experience. I really appreciated the support I received from the team and the ongoing guidance they provided throughout the program. All the professors were excellent. They were always available whenever you contacted them. However, you need to stay committed to the schedule and deadlines to get the most out of the course.”
Liubov Khomenko
Master in Sport Business Online
“I have been working in football for more than ten years, which motivated me to look for specialized training. My director, who is also my manager, had studied at Johan Cruyff Institute and recommended it to me.”
“The experience was challenging, without a doubt, because I had to balance my studies with work. It was interesting, incredible, and I loved it. The flexibility was really convenient because you could attend an online session at the scheduled time or postpone it until the following week or the next day. That made the program perfect for me: I could balance it with my lifestyle, work, and personal life.”
Pieter Veldhuizen
Master in Football Business Online
“I was looking for a course I could fit around my professional life. I had been thinking about doing an MBA or something similar for quite some time, but then I decided I wanted to study something I was genuinely interested in, such as sports management or the world of football. That was when I discovered Johan Cruyff Institute’s Master in Football Business and decided to enroll. Fortunately, I was accepted, and I had a fantastic experience.”
“Of course, it is not the same as studying in person or following a traditional program. However, I think the structure of the program, with numerous webinars where you could interact with professors and other students, as well as the discussion forums, was very useful.”
