Entrevista / Interview
ence is not just academic but is as close as possible to the reality in which they will go on to compete. Can someone who doesn’t study in a school like this work in the sports industry? Nowadays, all sports clubs and organizations—no matter their size—have a professional structure. To be part of this world, you need the right education. Over 90% of our students find employment shortly after completing a masters. The industry is crying out for graduates of this type. At present, 40 of the club’s staff have studied at the Real Madrid Graduate School–Universidad Europea. We also have a number of our graduates working in the Spanish offices of the NBA, with whom we have a good relationship.
What has changed in the world of sport since you were a player? Everything. From the grass through to how we travel. The professionalization of the club has reached a point at which every detail matters. And they all add up. If you want to be the best, every little detail counts. If you have the best players on the pitch, you also need the best people in the other parts of the organization. Almost 40% of the Real Madrid budget— now almost €800 million—comes from the marketing department. When I left the club in 1995, the stadium was just a place where football matches were played. Now, Real Madrid’s facilities are used every day. The stadium tour is one of Madrid’s most popular
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tourist attractions, attracting fans from all over the world. Last year, we received 2,400,000 visitors. It brings a lot of money in for the club. It’s another example of how our professionals develop strategies to maximize the resources we have available to allow us to continue competing at the highest level. What is the challenge facing the school going forward? Strengthening the Madrid school’s position as a world leader in sports education and expanding international partnerships. We have agreements with Columbia University in New York, University of California, Los Angeles, and the Beijing Sport University. These will help us to grow as a school, learning from prestigious partners and expanding our reach to those who, for various reasons, can’t get to us.