Football vs Business – More Similar Than You Think

After completing my degree in Football Business, one thing has stood out massively… 

The surprising crossover between the pitch and the boardroom. Here’s a few examples that show how football mirrors key business concepts.

• Leadership – A captain inspires and directs just like a CEO.
• Branding – A club’s identity (kit, culture, values) is as powerful as any company logo or mission.
• Performance Metrics – Stats like xG and pass completion are no different to KPIs used to measure business success.
• Culture & Values – From the training ground to the dressing room, culture drives performance. Just like in business.

Whether I’m designing a training session or evaluating a matchday, I constantly find myself applying what I’ve learned in the business world.

It’s a two-way street — football can learn a lot from business… and vice versa. 

Author:Alfie Finnan

Alfie Finnan is a first class graduate in football business who studied at UCFB. Is a volunteering, aspiring to be full time, football coach who has nothing but love and passion for the game of football!