The Football Economy

Epizode

• 
  Silicon Valley to Stamford Bridge with Adriel Lares | Ep. 60 18.08.2026 1h 2min

  In this conversation, Adriel Lares, CFO of Chelsea Football Club, shares insights from his diverse career spanning Silicon Valley and the sports industry. He discusses the pivotal role of mentorship in shaping his journey, the importance of situational awareness in new roles, and the evolving responsibilities of CFOs in the age of AI. Adriel also explores capital allocation strategies in football, the need for innovation, and the emotional connection fans have with the sport. He reflects on his transition to Chelsea and the enriching experience of living in London, as well as the story behind his winery, Memento Mori, which symbolizes the intersection of life and mortality.
• 
  How AI is Revolutionizing Football Transfers with Wout Pauwels | Ep. 59 11.08.2026 59min

  In this episode of the football economy show, host Ibrahim interviews Wout Pauwels, CEO of CEO & Co-Founder at SquadAssist, a platform that leverages artificial intelligence to predict the return on investment (ROI) of football players in the transfer market. Wout shares his journey from a fascination with technology and football to creating a startup that addresses the inefficiencies in player transfers. The conversation goes into the importance of data-driven decision-making in football, the challenges of pitching AI solutions to clubs, and the risks associated with post-World Cup player transfers, known as the 'World Cup tax.'
• 
  Investing in Sports Talent with Mohamed Salah | Ep. 58 03.08.2026 45min

  In this episode of The Football Economy show, host Ibrahim speaks with Mohamed Salah, a football operations manager at Right to Dream. They discuss Mohammed's journey from a passionate football player in Egypt to his role in one of the world's leading youth development organizations. The conversation goes into the unique model of Right to Dream, which combines education and football training, and its impact on African football. Mohammed shares insights on the daily life of student athletes, the importance of sustainability in sports development, and the potential of the Egyptian football landscape. They also explore the influence of Mohamed Salah on young players and the significance of investment in African football. The episode concludes with advice for aspiring football professionals and reflections on the future of sports development in Africa.
• 
  Building Winning Teams Off the Field with Dave Slemen | Ep. 57 26.07.2026 57min

  In this episode of The Football Economy show, host Ibrahim speaks with Dave Slemen, a founding partner of Elite Performance Partners. They discuss the importance of practicality in sports consulting, the challenges of measuring success in hiring, and the pay disparity between on-field and off-field roles. Dave shares insights from his experience building a team from scratch at San Diego FC and the complexities of multi-club ownership in sports. He also highlights EPP's competitive edge and future plans, emphasizing the role of AI in enhancing operational efficiency.
• 
  A Data Scientist's Journey in Football with Dr. Hadi Sotudeh | Ep. 56 15.07.2026 1h

  In this episode of The Football Economy Podcast, host Ibrahim speaks with Dr. Hadi Sotudeh, a data scientist specializing in football analytics. Hadi Sotudeh discusses the evolving role of data science in football, emphasizing the importance of robust data departments, the integration of AI in recruitment, and the challenges of data security. He highlights the need for clubs to adopt a long-term perspective on data analytics and the potential future advancements in player profiling through 3D tracking data. The discussion also touches on the bottlenecks in data governance and the necessity for clubs to embrace a data-driven culture to enhance performance and decision-making.
• 
  A New Model for Football Development in Africa with Luis Coll Jauregui | Ep. 55 with Luis Coll Jauregui | Ep. 55 05.07.2026 1h

  In this episode of the football economy show, host Ibrahim speaks with Luis Coll, CEO and co-founder of LAMSA, the first football academy based in a former refugee camp in West Africa. Luis shares his journey from a finance background to building an academy driven by a mission to provide opportunities for youth both on and off the field. He discusses LAMSA's unique economic model that diversifies revenue beyond football, the role of digital media and content creators in building a global brand, how the academy measures social impact, and its ambitious plans to expand into Liberia and establish a professional-grade sports center.
• 
  Why Smart Money Is Starting to Move Into Women's Football Why Smart Money Is Starting to Move Into Women's Football with Tommy Nodam Jensen | Ep. 54 | Ep. 54 28.06.2026 49min

  In this episode of the football economy show, host Ibrahim speaks with Tommy Nodam Jensen, founder of Pitch15, about the evolving landscape of women's sports and the investment opportunities it presents. Tommy shares insights from his journey as a professional athlete to becoming a key player in the sports investment sector, emphasizing the need for more focus and resources in women's sports. He discusses the challenges and potential of investing in women's sports, the importance of media strategies, and the differences between the growth of women's sports in the US and Europe.
• 
  The Real Reason Infantino's FIFA Chooses Money Over Reform with Prof. Simon Chadwick | Ep. 53 21.06.2026 48min

  In this episode of the football economy show, Professor Simon Chadwick discusses the evolving relationship between football, geopolitics, and the global economy. He highlights how the political landscape, particularly the influence of the United States, has reshaped the sports industry. The conversation delves into the implications of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East on sports investments and the importance of creating sustainable sports ecosystems. Additionally, the cultural significance of football apparel and Morocco's ambitions in hosting major sporting events are explored.
• 
  Why Africa Is Football's Most Untapped Goldmine with Harry Varley | Ep. 52 13.06.2026 57min

  In this episode of the football economy show, host Ibrahim speaks with Harry Varley, a high-performance specialist in African football. They explore Varley's journey through the game, his philosophical insights, and the cultural narratives that shape how talent is found and developed across the continent. The conversation digs into the challenges of scouting in Africa, the human element behind talent identification, and the disconnect between traditional scouting practices and the realities on the ground, where grassroots football is spontaneous, under-resourced, and largely overlooked. He also examines emerging markets for African talent, including the growing interest from MLS, the importance of building a professional mindset in young athletes, and how to evaluate the players who can make the micro-adjustments that separate good from world-class.
• 
  Building Football Clubs & Brands with Matt Rizzetta | Ep. 51 04.06.2026 53min

  In this episode of the football economy show, host Ibrahim interviews Matt Rizzetta, founder of Underdog Global Partners. They discuss Matt's journey from starting a marketing agency to investing in sports, the influence of his Italian heritage, and the importance of family in shaping his career. Matt shares insights on marketing's role in business, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the innovative employee-centric culture he developed at N6A. The conversation culminates in an exploration of the investment strategies of Underdog Global Partners, focusing on the unique opportunities within the sports industry.
• 
  Sports Agents in the Modern Game with Ricardo Pinho | Ep. 50 28.05.2026 1h 2min

  In this episode of the Football Economy, host Ibrahim speaks with Ricardo Pinho, a seasoned football agent with over two decades of experience in player representation, management, and transfer negotiations. They discuss the evolution of player representation, the day to day life of an agent, misconceptions about agents, scouting in the Portuguese market, opportunities in African football, the economics of player transfers, negotiation dynamics, M&A opportunities in Portuguese football, marketing challenges, and strategic focuses for football club acquisitions.
• 
  The Future of Talent Management in Sports with Sanmi Balogun | Ep. 49 18.05.2026 55min

  In this episode of The Football Economy, host Ibrahim interviews Sanmi Balogun, founder of Escal8 Agency and co-founder of VTL8 Media. Sanmi shares insights into the changing relationship between football, media, and talent management, exploring how creators are building media businesses, managing their intellectual property, and using new platforms to grow influence and commercial value. He also discusses the rise of creator-led media, the business of personal brands, and what aspiring content entrepreneurs can learn from the next generation of football media operators.
• 
  The Future of Sports Media with Jo Redfern | Ep. 48 11.05.2026 52min

  In this episode of the football economy, host Ibrahim interviews Jo Redfern, a strategic thinker in sports, media, and youth culture. Jo shares insights from her 20-year career, discussing how fan behavior is evolving in a platform-driven world. She emphasizes the importance of engaging Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences across platforms like YouTube and Roblox. Jo also explores the intersection of sports and entertainment, highlighting the need for sports to think of themselves as media and entertainment products.
• 
  Creating Opportunities in Sports with Jeremiah White III | Ep. 47 04.05.2026 1h 7min

  In this episode of The Football Economy Show, host Ibrahim speaks with Jeremiah White, a multifaceted entrepreneur and former professional footballer. They discuss Jeremiah's journey from being a player to a successful investor and founder of White Sports Ventures. The conversation goes into themes of family legacy, the importance of work ethic, cultural insights from his time in Saudi Arabia, and the challenges facing youth sports in the U.S. Jeremiah emphasizes the need for better understanding and communication of value in youth sports transactions, highlighting the disconnect between parents and clubs.
• 
  From Player Representation to M&A with Cesare Marchetti | Ep. 46 25.04.2026 1h

  In this episode of The Football Economy Show, host Ibrahim speaks with Cesare Marchetti, a FIFA licensed football agent and founder of Intermezzo Sports. Cesare discusses his transition from player representation to mergers and acquisitions in football, emphasizing the importance of networking and investment strategies. He shares insights on the acquisition of Kelty Hearts, the differences between capital injections and equity buyouts, and the challenges facing multi-club ownership models. Additionally, he highlights the potential of African football talent and critiques the current state of Italian football, while also reflecting on influential figures in the industry.
• 
  Transforming Indian Football with Neel Shah | Ep. 45 18.04.2026 58min

  In this episode, Neel Shah shares his journey from a young boy in Southern California to becoming a key figure in the development of football in India. He discusses his early influences, the challenges he faced while working with Major League Soccer, and his bold move to India to help grow the sport. Neil emphasizes the importance of community engagement, networking, and building meaningful relationships in the sports industry. He reflects on his leadership role at DSK Shivajians FC and the unique challenges of establishing football in India, while remaining optimistic about the future of the sport in the country. Neel also shares insights on building a legacy in sports development and the key attributes for success in sports careers, including communication, integrity, and curiosity.
• 
  From CFO to CEO: Niaz Shazad’s Football Journey | Ep. 44 11.04.2026 54min

  In this episode of The Football Economy Podcast, host Ibrahim speaks with Niaz Shazad, a football executive with a diverse background in finance and leadership. Niaz shares insights from his career, including his time at City Football Group and Bolton Wanderers, discussing the importance of culture, leadership, and the challenges faced in the football industry. He emphasizes the significance of setting high standards, understanding one's environment, and the role of people in achieving success. Niaz discusses the importance of building trust and culture in leadership, particularly within the context of football. He emphasizes the strategic advantage of diversity in decision-making and the need for sustainability in football finance. Niaz also highlights the significance of trust as a currency in football management and the delicate balance between growth and maintaining a club's identity. He offers valuable advice for aspiring executives, stressing the importance of clarity, communication, and persistence in their careers.
• 
  First-Person Stories in Football Media with Matthew Barrett | Episode 43 04.04.2026 49min

  In this episode of the Football Economy Show, host Ibrahim discusses with Matthew Barrett, founder and CEO of GoalClick, the journey of his unique storytelling platform that captures the essence of football through the eyes of fans and communities worldwide. From its humble beginnings with a disposable camera in Sierra Leone to becoming a global entity, Barrett discusses the intersection of history, sport, and social impact. He elaborates on GoalClick's innovative approach to storytelling, the challenges of navigating partnerships, and the importance of intellectual property. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI, the business model of GoalClick, and the significance of women's football in the broader narrative. Barrett emphasizes the need for authentic storytelling and the role of community engagement in shaping the future of football.
• 
  Navigating the Football Economy with Tony Simpson | Episode 42 28.03.2026 55min

  In this episode of the Football Economy Podcast, host Ibrahim discusses with Tony Simpson, a partner at Oliver Wyman, about the evolving landscape of the sports economy, the importance of diversity and inclusion in leadership roles, and the future of sports tourism. They explore the impact of cultural understanding on career success, the significance of emotional intelligence in leadership, and the challenges faced by black executives in the sports industry. The conversation also delves into the growth of women's football, the changing dynamics of broadcasting rights, and the role of AI in shaping the future of sports. Tony emphasises the need for authenticity, curiosity, and a long-term vision in navigating the complexities of the sports economy.
• 
  The Business of Women's Sports with Elena Mirandola | Episode 41 20.03.2026 1h

  In this episode of The Football Economy Podcast, host Ibrahim speaks with Elena Mirandola, founder of The Breakaway and former CEO of F.C. Como Women. They discuss Elena's journey from digital marketing to sports leadership, the challenges faced by independent women's clubs, and innovative programs aimed at supporting female athletes. Elena shares insights on the importance of understanding audience engagement, leveraging data, and creating a positive culture in women's sports. The conversation also touches on the need for strategic planning and the role of content in driving interest and participation in women's sports.