EU Business School graduate Omar Berrada: From FC Barcelona and Manchester City to becoming CEO of Manchester United

Omar Berrada is a football business executive known for his tenure at FC Barcelona, Manchester City, and Manchester United. He graduated from EU Business School in Barcelona.

In 2024, he was appointed as the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of the prestigious Manchester United, drawing attention for his unique career path. This article outlines Berrada’s career journey.

Career Highlights

• Graduated from EU Business School, Barcelona (1999)
• Interned at Honda (from 1999)
• Worked at European telecommunications company Tiscali (early 2000s)
• Appointed as Head of Marketing at FC Barcelona (2004–2011)
• Joined Manchester City as Head of International Business Development (from 2011), promoted to COO (2016)
• Also served as Football COO of City Football Group (from 2020)
• Appointed as CEO of Manchester United (2024)

Student Years: Learning at EU Business School, Barcelona

Berrada was born in Paris, France, in 1978, and moved to Barcelona, Spain, to study business at the EU Business School, Barcelona. A passionate football fan, he often attended stadiums during his studies to watch quality football, nurturing his admiration for FC Barcelona. After graduating in 1999, Berrada remained in Barcelona to start his career.

Lecture at Alma Mater EU Business School

EU Business School graduate Omar Berrada: From FC Barcelona and Manchester City to becoming CEO of Manchester United

First Steps in Career: Internship at Honda and Experience in the Telecommunications Industry

After graduating from university, Berrada interned at the Barcelona office of the automobile manufacturer Honda, gaining firsthand business experience. He then expanded his career into the internet and telecommunications sectors, working at the European telecommunications company Tiscali. The experience gained in these diverse industries would later prove valuable in his sports business career.

Marketing Role at FC Barcelona

In 2003, Berrada’s former supervisor in the IT industry became the Chief Marketing Officer at FC Barcelona, and invited Berrada to join the club. In 2004, Berrada was appointed as the Head of Marketing (overseeing the sponsorship division) at FC Barcelona. Initially struggling with the Catalan language, which the club required as an “official language,” he dedicated himself to learning it.

During his tenure, he contributed to the club’s commercial success and helped establish one of Europe’s top marketing structures. After eight years in Barcelona’s commercial department, he sought new challenges.

Success as COO at Manchester City

In 2011, Berrada was headhunted by the English Premier League club Manchester City and appointed as the Head of International Business Development. At that time, City had not won the league since 1968 and were considered “challengers.” Berrada relocated with his family to the Manchester area to join City’s business department.

In 2012, he was promoted to Director of Partnerships, and in 2016, he became the club’s Chief Operating Officer (COO). As COO, he worked alongside City’s Sporting Director, Txiki Begiristain, contributing to the club’s strengthening by leading negotiations for top player acquisitions. In 2020, he was promoted to Football COO of City’s parent company, City Football Group, overseeing a group spanning five continents and 11 clubs.

During his time at Manchester City, the club experienced remarkable growth both on and off the pitch, and Berrada himself established a distinguished record in European football business.

Significance of the CEO Appointment and Future Expectations

Berrada’s appointment as United’s CEO symbolizes the club’s shift towards a football-centric management approach. Reflecting on previous management’s overemphasis on commercial aspects, there is an expectation for Berrada to restore the balance between business and sporting performance. In meetings with staff, Berrada reportedly set a goal to “bring the Premier League title back to Manchester United by 2028,” delivering a strong message towards reviving the once-dominant team.

Additionally, United is facing major projects such as the redevelopment of the aging Old Trafford and plans for a new stadium. Berrada has pointed out that the approximately £2 billion investment in a new stadium poses a risk of impacting the team’s strengthening budget. Nonetheless, he demonstrates a commitment to tackling the challenge of maintaining on-pitch competitiveness while advancing infrastructure improvements. The international perspective he cultivated during his student years is expected to contribute to his success in Manchester.

Mr. Berrada’s Alma Mater

【Scholarship】Sports Management Career with EU Business School

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