National team defender Merih Demiral has made history by becoming the first Turkish player to be accepted into the prestigious FIFA Players Executive Programme. The 27-year-old international is among just 40 players selected globally for the initiative, which aims to prepare current and former footballers for leadership roles in the sport beyond their playing careers.
The programme, newly launched by FIFA, offers high-level training in football management through a mix of online education and in-person sessions. Participants will also attend two meetings at FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland.
Demiral joins an elite group of global football stars taking part in the inaugural edition, including David Luiz, Casemiro, Rodrigo de Paul, Javi Martínez, and Jamie Vardy.
In a statement to tff.org, Demiral expressed his pride in being selected:
“I’m extremely happy to have been accepted into the program after successfully completing the preliminary interviews with the FIFA committee. I believe I might be the youngest player to be admitted. Regardless of your age, it’s important to think about and plan for your life after your playing career. I find it very valuable that this programme offers me the opportunity to develop myself in aspects of football beyond the pitch and to exchange ideas with colleagues from different continents.”
The FIFA Players Executive Programme is designed to equip players with executive-level skills, empowering them to contribute to the sport’s development in administrative and strategic roles once their time on the pitch comes to an end.
Demiral’s inclusion not only highlights his personal ambition but also places Türkiye on the map in global football leadership development initiatives.