Several current and former footballers are preparing for careers beyond playing the game by studying football management and sporting directorship.
Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi is among the latest graduates of the PFA Business School, completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Global Football Sport Directorship with Merit. He has been studying the programme as part of his preparation for life after football.
Former Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has also completed the Global Football Sport Directorship programme, graduating with Merit. The former Spain international ended his professional playing career in 2026 after two decades in the game.
Other football figures who completed the programme include former Everton and Australia midfielder Tim Cahill, Everton midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury Hall, former Liverpool striker Fabio Borini, former Stoke City forward Jacob Brown, former West Ham defender Angelo Ogbonna and former Aston Villa defender James Chester.
The PFA Business School programmes are designed to help current and former players develop skills for careers away from the pitch. Sporting directorship courses cover areas including recruitment, squad planning, leadership, governance, financial management and strategic decision making.
UEFA has similarly expanded education for sporting directors, with its programme covering talent identification, recruitment, player development, financial management, communication and strategic decision making.
For players such as Awoniyi and Azpilicueta, the qualifications provide formal education that can complement their experience in professional football as they prepare for possible careers in club administration and sporting management.
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