The World Sports Summit in Dubai has significantly bolstered its roster of participants, adding an array of globally recognized sports figures, including legendary footballers and a boxing champion, pushing the total number of confirmed speakers to nearly 70. Scheduled for December 29 and 30 at the opulent Madinat Jumeirah, the event is set to convene world champions, decision-makers, and sports leaders under the compelling banner, “Uniting the World Through Sport.” This high-profile gathering aims to dissect and celebrate the influence of athletics on global culture and industry.
Football Legends Dominate Latest Additions
The organizing committee’s third announcement primarily focuses on football, featuring some of the most decorated names in the sport’s history. Headlining the new slate is Didier Deschamps, a monumental figure in French and international football. Deschamps achieved the rare distinction of winning the FIFA World Cup both as a player (1998) and later as a coach (2018), offering a unique perspective on leadership and longevity at the elite level.
Joining him are fellow European football icons who captivated fans across multiple leagues. Alessandro Del Piero, celebrated as one of Italy’s greatest stars, will share insights from his remarkable career with Juventus and the Italian national team. The Premier League is well-represented by former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna and prolific Liverpool scorer Ian Rush, the Anfield club’s all-time leading goal scorer and a defining figure of 1980s English football.
Rounding out the football additions are two additional globally recognized talents: towering English striker Peter Crouch, known for his notable contributions to the England national team and various Premier League clubs, and dynamic French full-back Patrice Evra, who amassed numerous domestic titles and the UEFA Champions League during his successful tenure with Manchester United.
Diverse Athletic Expertise on Display
While football takes the spotlight, the summit’s commitment to diversity across sports is reinforced by the inclusion of boxing superstar Oleksandr Usyk. The undefeated Ukrainian is an Olympic gold medalist and currently one of the world’s most dominant figures in professional boxing. Usyk’s participation underscores the summit’s aim to gather perspectives from various disciplines, examining themes like peak performance, resilience, and global athletic branding.
Why the Summit Matters
The World Sports Summit serves as a critical nexus for dialogue on the future of global sports governance, technology, and economic impact. By bringing together athletes who have achieved historical feats—such as Deschamps’s dual World Cup success or Usyk’s dominance in the ring—alongside industry leaders, attendees gain unparalleled access to actionable strategies and lessons in teamwork, motivation, and managing high-stakes environments.
For attendees, the sheer concentration of talent offers invaluable networking and learning opportunities, addressing how sports continue to shape international relations and lifestyle trends worldwide. As the event rapidly approaches, Dubai solidifies its status as a primary hub for global business and athletic excellence.