World Football Summit Hong Kong 2025: Revolutionizing Football with Technology, Culture, and Innovation

The future of football is being shaped in Asia, and it begins in Hong Kong. The World Football Summit (WFS) is set to make its mark in Hong Kong from September 2nd to 4th, 2025, as it brings together football legends, tech innovators, and industry leaders to discuss the next evolution of the sport. With the Asian football market surging to USD 7.187 billion, this summit marks a critical turning point for football’s global narrative.

WFS Hong Kong is not just another conference—it’s an event designed to unite East and West, where digital transformation and cultural innovation come together at the heart of Asia’s football revolution.

A Platform for Football’s Global Future

As Asia continues to be the driving force behind the sport’s growth, with digital engagement seeing record-breaking increases, the World Football Summit offers a stage for football’s most influential minds to discuss the sport’s next steps. Jan Alessie, Co-founder and Managing Director at WFS, explains, “Our Hong Kong summit transcends a traditional conference. We’re creating a global platform where football’s most innovative minds will explore how East and West can reshape the beautiful game’s future.”

The event, proudly supported by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, will be a powerful meeting point for legends of the game, such as Rio Ferdinand, Fabio Cannavaro, John Terry, Javier Zanetti, and Carles Puyol, as well as tech innovators and strategic thinkers from all corners of the football world.

Iconic Football Legends and Leaders

This summit will feature a lineup of football icons, including:

• Rio Ferdinand – Manchester United legend

• Fabio Cannavaro – 2006 Ballon d’Or winner

• John Terry – Chelsea FC legend

• Javier Zanetti – Inter Milan Vice President and legend

• Carles Puyol – Barcelona legend and 2010 World Cup winner

• Davor Suker – Former Croatian FA President and 1998 World Cup Golden Boot winner

• Fabio Capello – Former football coach and player

• Pierluigi Collina – Former FIFA referee and Chairman of the FIFA Referee Committee

Additionally, local leaders like Dr. Allan Zeman, John Sharkey, and Crystal Wong will join the event, sharing insights on how Hong Kong can become a global hub for sports development.

Key Themes and Discussions

The World Football Summit Hong Kong will address key questions about football’s future in Asia and beyond:

• How digital technologies are redefining fan experiences

• Exploring new investment models in sports

• Positioning Hong Kong as a hub for sports development

The themes of the summit include:

• Fan Engagement in the Digital Age

• Football’s Cultural Crossroads

• East and West: Reimagining Football Relationships

• Digital Transformation and Innovation

As Filipe Gonçalves, Chairman at Asia Partners IFBD and WFS’s strategic partner in Asia, stated, “Hong Kong represents a unique gateway between global football markets. This summit is not just an event—it’s a strategic bridge connecting diverse football ecosystems, positioning Asia at the forefront of the sport’s next evolution.”

A Celebration of Football and Innovation

In addition to the industry-focused talks, WFS Hong Kong 2025 will feature a dedicated fan zone designed to engage fans and bring them closer to the action. Interactive experiences, egaming, football skills competitions, and classic memorabilia will transform the summit from just a conference into a true celebration of the sport.

A Bright Future for Football in Asia

The World Football Summit Hong Kong 2025 is poised to be a defining moment for the sport. With over 4,000 international professionals expected to attend and 100+ speakers contributing their insights, the event will lay the foundation for Asia’s role in the next phase of global football.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board is also heavily invested in positioning the city as a premier destination for global sports business. By supporting WFS, the board reaffirms its commitment to attracting world-class international events and leveraging the power of football to enhance the city’s global appeal.

Event Details:

• Date: September 2nd-4th, 2025

• Location: AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong

• Expected Attendance: 4,000+ international professionals

• Focus: Connecting the global football ecosystem