FIFA MASTER ALUMNI - WHERE ARE THEY NOW? - MAYRILIAN CRUZ BLANCO
Mayrilian Cruz Blanco
Current Position: Head of Marketing Partnerships – UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League at TEAM Marketing
Year of Graduation: 2005 (5th Edition)
Nationality: Swiss / Cuban
What does your current role involve?
I currently serve as the Head of Marketing Partnerships for the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League at TEAM Marketing AG. In this role, I oversee the strategic planning and delivery of sponsorship activations in close collaboration with UEFA’s global partners. I have the privilege of leading a passionate and diverse team, working across all nine current partnerships, for UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League.
A key part of my role is strengthening collaboration with UEFA and the newly launched UEFA Club Competitions Company (UC3), to align on shared strategic priorities and deliver partnerships that deepen engagement between sponsors, competitions and fans.
Across both competitions, I oversee the full lifecycle of commercial partnerships, ensuring that activations are purpose-led, strategically aligned and creatively executed. We’ve adopted a more holistic, objective-driven sponsorship approach that empowers brands to connect authentically with fans. I’m also actively involved in building alliances across the industry to continuously push boundaries and shape the future of sports partnerships in meaningful and sustainable ways.
How has the FIFA Master helped you in your career?
Coming from an athlete and sports science background, I’ve worked in the international sports industry for over 20 years - at the intersection of sport, commercial strategy, and social impact. I’ve had the privilege of contributing to global initiatives and programmes. My professional journey has taken me through roles at the International Olympic Committee, World Archery Federation, FIFA, the Adecco Group, and now TEAM Marketing.
Along the way, I’ve collaborated with global leaders, governments and NGOs. I also had the honour to serve on the Council of the Centre for Sport and Human Rights, where I used my voice to advocate for democracy, good governance and the advancement of human rights in and through sport.
The FIFA Master was pivotal for me to access these opportunities in my career. The programme was a life-changing experience that provided the tools and international perspective to pursue and build the career I once had only dreamed of. It empowered me both personally and professionally, and opened doors to opportunities I once thought were out of reach, especially for a young Cuban woman back in 2004. I’m forever grateful to those who believed in me and helped make it possible.
What advice would you give to future students?
Embrace every part of the journey with intention and openness. The FIFA Master is not just an academic programme. It is a unique platform for growth, discovery and lifelong connections.
Unleash your curiosity throughout the programme and make sure you use this time to explore your interests and how they can impact your career choices. Be curious about what motivates you and what you are passionate about.
In today’s world the sports industry is broad and complex. This demands that you stay focused. Nurture the relationships you build because they will become your global support system. Seek purpose in what you do and not just prestige. Let your values guide you, especially when navigating complex choices. And above all, stay humble, authentic and resilient.
FIFA Master - International Master in Management, Law and Humanities of Sport, ranked Europe's No.1 course a record 12 times by SportBusiness.
FIFA Master - 25 years of Excellence in Sport Business Education - organised by CIES in partnership with De Montfort University (UK), SDA Bocconi School of Management (Italy) and the University of Neuchâtel (Switzerland)
