Aspire Academy Global Summit 2025 brings football’s brightest minds together in the USA
The Aspire Academy Global Summit 2025 brought together some of the most influential minds in football for two days of dialogue and discovery at Subaru Park, home of the Philadelphia Union in Philadelphia, USA.
The 11th edition of the Global Summit was held in the USA for the first time in collaboration with Philadelphia Union and in partnership with Major League Soccer (MLS). The annual gathering is part of Aspire Academy’s “Aspire in the World Fellows” program, which connects more than 50 clubs, federations, and leagues to share best practices, research, and performance insights that shape the future of football.
Coaching, leadership, and evolution at the forefront
Former England National Team Manager Sir Gareth Southgate stressed the importance of continuous coach development. “The most important thing for developing football is developing coaches,” he said. “Bringing people together to share experiences and ideas helps us all grow, especially as the game continues to evolve.”
Rafa Benitez delivered a tactical masterclass focusing on video analysis, expanded statistics, and GPS technology. Wilfried Nancy emphasized resilience and structure in coaching, while Italian legend Alessandro Nesta discussed trust, adaptability, and leadership in modern football.
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Two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup winner Carli Lloyd highlighted preparation and discipline as key factors in success, while NFL great Ron Jaworski brought a cross-sport leadership perspective, reminding delegates that strategy may change but leadership remains constant.
Innovation and collaboration shaping the future
Technical workshops and roundtables featured Juventus, AC Milan, MLS, and Aspire Academy experts examining sports technology, data analytics, and performance science. A major highlight was Aspire’s introduction of “Blind/Off,” a new e-gym system offering real-time performance analysis.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber praised the Summit’s philosophy, saying, “Events like the Aspire Academy Global Summit play a vital role in the progress of football. They connect ideas, people, and purpose.”
Valter Di Salvo, Aspire Academy’s Director of Football Performance and Science, announced that the next Workshop Tour will debut in Bucharest, Romania, ahead of the 12th edition of the Summit. Aspire Academy, founded in 2004, remains a global leader in athlete development through its blend of education, sports science, and collaboration.
