After three years away, World Football Summit returned to Madrid — and it did so in record-breaking style. With 2,547 attendees, 120 speakers, 35 panels, and 45 exhibitors, WFS Madrid became the largest event to date, reaffirming the city’s status as a true global hub for the football industry.
Across two intense days, discussions tackled both headline issues and long-term challenges — from the debate on the European Super League plans and LaLiga’s proposed match in Miami, to how the game can stay competitive amid accelerated change, fragmented audiences, and the rise of new competitors.
Leaders such as Rocío Albert (Comunidad de Madrid), André Amaral (Liga Portugal), S.E Sra. Karima Benyaich (Embajada del Reino de Marruecos en España), Fernando Carro (Bayer Leverkusen), Chris Davis (New Balance), Lise Klaveness (Norwegian FA), Nadine Kessler (UEFA), Rafael Louzán (RFEF), Peter Moore (former Liverpool FC), Stephen Pagliuca (Atalanta BC), and Elma Saiz Delgado (Spanish Government), explored how the industry can strengthen its governance, attract long-term investment, embrace innovation, and deepen fan engagement, all while ensuring that inclusivity and sustainability remain at the core of football’s global growth.
World Football Summit also reaffirmed its global commitment to gender balance and representation, with women representing 32% of all speakers, surpassing our long-standing 30% pledge. Beyond the sessions, the WFS Awards by Turkish Airlines and Madeleine Penfold’s photography exhibition added a cultural and emotional dimension to the experience.
“A heartfelt thank you to all our partners, speakers, and attendees for making WFS Madrid a milestone edition,” WFS organisers said. “And while this has been our biggest event yet, we’re already working to raise the bar once again — see you at WFS Riyadh, on December 10–11.”
