A growing number of professional footballers are looking beyond their playing careers, pursuing education to prepare for roles in football management, coaching, and sporting direction. The 2026 graduation ceremony of the PFA Business School, held at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, highlighted this trend. A group of footballers and former players celebrated completing qualifications alongside their playing careers. This development shows that footballers are taking proactive steps towards their future.
Among the graduates were Everton midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi. Dewsbury-Hall, 28, completed a postgraduate diploma in global football sport directorship. He emphasized the importance of continuous learning, stating that he wants to develop himself away from the pitch. Dewsbury-Hall's qualification could prove useful if an opportunity arises after his playing career. His approach demonstrates a commitment to personal and professional growth.
Awoniyi, 29, already holds a degree in business management and another diploma, making the PFA qualification his third academic achievement. His father, Solomon, placed a strong emphasis on education, encouraging Awoniyi to prioritize his studies alongside his football career. Awoniyi believes that footballers have opportunities to study because their working lives do not follow the traditional nine-to-five routine. He feels that education is essential for personal development.
Former Chelsea and Spain captain César Azpilicueta is another example of a player who continued his education while building a distinguished career on the pitch. Azpilicueta studied before turning professional with Osasuna at 17 and later completed an MBA at Harvard University during his time at Chelsea. He believes that education has value beyond preparing for retirement, helping him become a better version of himself in his football career.
The PFA Business School programme is designed to allow players to study alongside their professional commitments. Seminars are scheduled to minimize clashes with training and matches, while students can complete work in their own time. Dewsbury-Hall mentioned that he has even received curious looks while studying on his iPad during journeys home from away matches. The programme's flexibility is essential for footballers with busy schedules.
For former Bournemouth captain Steve Cook, the programme represented a return to formal education after his school years. Having already earned coaching qualifications, Cook is now approaching the latter stages of his playing career. The graduates have different ambitions and reasons for studying, but the qualification could open doors to various roles within football, including coaching, executive positions, or sporting director roles.
The trend of footballers pursuing education highlights the evolving nature of the sport. Players like Awoniyi, Dewsbury-Hall, and Azpilicueta demonstrate that a career in football does not have to stop at the final whistle. Their commitment to education and personal growth sets an example for others in the sport. As the football landscape continues to change, the importance of education and adaptability will become increasingly important.
Key points
- Professional footballers are pursuing education to prepare for careers in football management, coaching, and sporting direction.
