General
From the classroom to the sports elite: The present of LALIGA MBA Alumni
June 15, 2026, Madrid
We review the success stories of LALIGA BUSINESS SCHOOL MBA graduates and the prestigious institutions, clubs, and entities where they lead the current sports industry.
The true success of an educational institution is measured by the impact, leadership, and growth of its graduates in the labor market. At LALIGA BUSINESS SCHOOL, we are proud to see how the community of our MBA alumni continues to expand globally, taking on top-level roles at football clubs, major international leagues, and leading corporations in the Sports & Entertainment sector.
Below, we highlight the professional situation and recent achievements of some of our most outstanding Alumni:
1. Leadership in Global MMA: Fernando García Rodríguez (UFC)
The international projection of our classrooms reaches the top of combat sports. Fernando García Rodríguez is part of the structure of the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), the world's premier mixed martial arts organization, consolidating the value of LALIGA's training in top-tier global sports properties.
2. Commercial Direction at Real Valladolid CF - Fernando González Velasco
Taking charge of the revenue strategy of a historic club is one of the greatest executive challenges in professional football. Fernando González Velasco leads the commercial management as Commercial Director at Real Valladolid Club de Fútbol, joining the institution with the goal of boosting its growth in sponsorships and business.

3. Technological Innovation in the First Division: Rodrigo Meruelo López (RCD Espanyol)
Digital transformation is an indispensable pillar for modern clubs. Rodrigo Meruelo López currently serves as CTO (Chief Technology Officer) at RCD Espanyol de Barcelona, leading the technological and innovation strategy of the club to face the challenges of the digital era.
4. Projection in Major North American Leagues: Maxwell Clark (Smith Entertainment Group)
The internationalization of our talent is a reality in the most competitive markets. Maxwell Clark has been promoted to the position of Director of Corporate Partnerships at Smith Entertainment Group, the prestigious sports entity that manages franchises as prominent as the Utah Jazz (NBA) and Utah Mammoth.
5. Infrastructure and Financing Milestones: Ignacio García Ramos (Valencia CF)
Infrastructure and asset development is key to the future of football clubs. Ignacio García Ramos, through #fancentric, has been an active part of the team that accompanied Valencia CF in a strategic milestone for the entity: successfully completing the financing structure for the Nou Mestalla, after many months of joint work with the club.
6. Commercial Development in Elite Football: Saúl Zambrano (RC Celta)
Brand growth depends on strategic alliances. At RC Celta, Saúl Zambrano works actively within the commercial area of the Vigo club to strengthen and expand the network of allies, partners, and official sponsors of the entity, adding valuable assets like the recent commercial partner VB.
7. Operations in International Football: Alain Sánchez (Liga MX)
Field management in Latin American leagues also bears the hallmark of our school. Alain Sánchez has taken a fundamental step in his professional career by making his debut as first-team delegate in Liga MX, assuming operational responsibility in top-flight matches, such as the recent game between Pachuca and Atlético De San Luis.

8. Sponsorship Activation in World Padel: Santiago Piedras (Banca Mifel / Premier Padel)
Beyond football, our MBA talent leads other sports experiencing a massive boom. Santiago Piedras officially represented Banca Mifel within the framework of the Mexico Major Premier Padel in Acapulco, one of the most visible and prestigious tournaments on the international padel circuit.

9. Club Project Management: Sergio Alcañiz Cárdenas (Atlético de Madrid)
Operational excellence in the day-to-day running of a top-tier club requires highly qualified profiles. Sergio Alcañiz Cárdenas has developed his work within the structure of Atlético de Madrid, participating in the various strategic projects of the club and consolidating his learning in the management of a top-category entity.
10. Consulting and International Expansion: Joaquín Mateos Soria (LALIGA / Iraq Stars League)
LALIGA's consulting and implementation projects abroad are a driver of professionalization for leagues around the world. Joaquín Mateos Soria is currently immersed in the strategic development and management of the Iraq Stars League (#iraqstarsleague) projects, applying the know-how of the Spanish competition.
The diversity of destinations ranging from the corporate direction of major global brands to the management of technology, finance, and sponsorships in elite football demonstrates the versatility of the strategic tools our program provides. The network of contacts and influence of LALIGA Business School Alumni continues to prove that global sports leadership is built in our classrooms.
