The 2026 White Week of the Real Madrid Graduate School - European University concludes
Four days of events where students enjoyed and learned from various club legends and leading executives in the sports industry.
The 2026 White Week of the Real Madrid Graduate School - European University has concluded. Four days of events were held in the auditorium of the Ciudad Real Madrid and moderated by Emilio Butragueño, the club's Director of Institutional Relations, where students enjoyed and learned from various club legends and leading executives in the sports industry.
First Day
The White Week of the Real Madrid Graduate School - European University began with four legends of our club: Roberto Carlos, Sergio Rodríguez, Felipe Reyes, and Rudy Fernández. Roberto Carlos inaugurated this edition: “It’s an honor to be an ambassador for this club and share its story around the world. Off the field, you see the greatness of this badge. Here, when we win, we celebrate, but the most important thing is the mentality of this institution. Real Madrid is unique.”
Sergio Rodríguez, Felipe Reyes, and Rudy Fernández closed the first day of White Week by talking about the basketball division. Sergio Rodríguez, Sports Director for Basketball at our club, said: “Madrid is a cornerstone in our careers. When we remember our best moments, they’re always tied to Real Madrid, like those two EuroLeagues we won. We are fortunate.” Meanwhile, Felipe Reyes noted: “It’s a pride that we were able to give great things to Real Madrid fans.” Lastly, Rudy Fernández stated: “Being part of it has been an honor, as well as being able to end our sports career at the club that gave us so much. The commitment we had as players was very significant.”
The first day of White Week also included the participation of Silvia Montes-Jovellar, Projects Director at the Real Madrid Foundation, who, along with Alaia and Mauro, members of the social sports schools of the Real Madrid Foundation, discussed the vital work of the club's soul. To conclude the day, Rodrigo Marín, Director of Strategy and Corporate Projects at Real Madrid, focused his intervention on the Situation of the Football Industry and the Real Madrid Formula.
Second Day
Marcelo was one of the main figures of the second day of White Week for the students of the Real Madrid Graduate School - European University. The Brazilian legend, who won 25 titles (including 5 Champions League trophies) in 546 matches with our team, said: “Since I arrived, I was taught the greatness of this club. In the end, being in the best team in the world makes victories even greater, allowing me to reach more people.”
The winner of 28 medals in the Paralympic Games and the 2021 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, Teresa Perales, shared her experience: “I’m very happy to have had such a long career, and I carry that pride with me every day. Success is temporary, and when I achieve something, I always think about the next challenge.”
The second day of White Week also included the participation of the women’s team Sports Director, Ana Rossell, with her intervention titled Women’s Football: The Strength to Keep Growing. Finally, Juan Contreras, Global Marketing Director for Adidas Real Madrid BU, and Álvaro Vitores, Sponsorship Activation Director at Real Madrid, participated with their conference Adidas: How We Build a Strategic Partnership Together.
Third Day
Toni Kroos and Sergio Scariolo, two legends of global sports, were the protagonists of the third day. Kroos, who won 23 titles in 10 years at the club, including 5 Champions League trophies, and was a World Cup champion with Germany, said: “I retired because I never wanted to reach the point where I didn’t feel as good and started having physical problems. The feeling with the ball never leaves me; I still have it.”
The coach of Real Madrid basketball, winner of a league with our team, a world champion, and a four-time European champion with Spain, opened the day talking about his return to the madridista bench: “There was something a bit special, a connection with the president that lasted for many years, especially on an emotional level. Professionally, I had the desire to test myself daily with a demanding club with great aspirations. I liked the idea of stepping out of my comfort zone.”
The third day of White Week also included the participation of Héctor Argüelles, Business Operations Director for Europe and the Middle East at the NBA, who spoke on The NBA in Europe; and Víctor Alfaro, CEO of Podoactiva and podiatrist for the Real Madrid first team, whose presentation was titled It All Starts With One Step.
Fourth Day
The White Week of the Real Madrid Graduate School - European University concluded with contributions from José Ángel Sánchez, CEO of Real Madrid, who focused his speech on The Constant Pursuit of Excellence; Israel García Álvarez, Digital Strategy Director at Real Madrid, who addressed A Real Digital Transformation; Francisco Panadero, Director of Infrastructure and Asset Development at the club, who spoke on Asset Development: Added Value of Assets; and Rafa de los Santos, General Director of the NFL in Spain.
Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.