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Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Xavi Simons is determined to make the most of his lengthy ACL recovery period by developing himself in areas beyond football.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star, who is not expected to return to action for Spurs until at least February 2027, has enrolled at Harvard, having secured a place on Harvard Business School's Crossover Into Business Program.
The program describes itself as a "semester-long program in which professional athletes develop their business acumen by working with MBA student mentors."
"Built" with professional athletes in mind, the program promises to make them "better prepared for business activities during and after their active sports careers." The mentors "empower them to make better business decisions, all in a way that fits the athletes' busy lives."
In true entrepreneurial fashion, Simons chose LinkedIn as his platform to make the announcement.
"I'm going back to school," he said. "During my recovery, I've been trying to use my time in the best way possible. Football is still my main focus, but I also want to keep learning and improving away from the pitch. I'm happy to share that I've been accepted onto the Crossover Into Business Program at Harvard Business School."
The Dutch international was unable to participate in the 2026 World Cup due to his knee injury, yet has spent time on both sides of the United States—including Boston, where he reconnected with Dutch-American economist and HBS professor Anita Elberse.
"We first met during my time at FC Barcelona, and later again at Paris Saint-Germain. We've stayed in touch over the years, so it was great to see her again and visit Harvard while I was in Boston," Simons said. "Getting back on the pitch is still my number one priority. At the same time, I want to use this period to keep learning and invest in myself beyond football."
Harvard lists numerous professional athletes who have completed the Crossover Into Business Program. Simons is far from the only soccer representative, though the most prominent graduate flying the flag is 11-time NBA All-Star and two-time NBA champion Chris Bosh. The program itself was originally launched nine years ago in collaboration with the NBA.
What Career Can Xavi Simons Have After Soccer?
Many retired professional soccer players choose to remain in the sport as coaches or managers. That path remains open to Simons as well, but he appears to have his sights set on something more ambitious.
The 23-year-old revealed he has "always been interested in more than just football" and is eager to "understand the business side of the game better, learn from people in different industries and keep developing as a person."
Some former professionals have pursued the soccer business route. Simons's fellow Dutchman Edwin van der Sar did precisely that, joining Ajax as marketing director in 2012 before being elevated to CEO in 2016, where he helped guide the club's Champions League revival.
David Beckham is arguably as celebrated for his post-playing business ventures as his on-field achievements, becoming a club owner when he co-founded Inter Miami in 2018. He also recently made history in 2026 as the U.K.'s first billionaire sportsman.
Former Barcelona and Spain defender Gerard Pique, meanwhile, is constructing a multi-club empire spanning Spain's soccer pyramid while also pursuing various business interests in sports and media.