On May 9th, 2025, the iWorkinSport Convention & Job Fair in Lausanne welcomed hundreds of aspiring and established professionals from across the global sports industry. As the event reached its final session, the audience gathered for a much-anticipated closing keynote from Diederik Dewaele, Director of Football at the European Club Association (ECA). And he did not disappoint.
In a talk titled "Inside the Game: Lessons from a 20-Year Journey in Pro Football", Dewaele stepped away from his usual presentations on access lists and revenue distribution models to share something far more personal—his professional story and the insights he’s gathered from two decades in elite football.
Here are the key takeaways from his speech:
1. Careers Are Not Linear
Dewaele emphasized that careers are filled with ups and downs, especially in the early stages. He recounted his own challenges, including a tough first job in a law firm where he felt unsupported. His advice? Persistence and resilience are key.
"It’s normal that your career goes with ups and downs. Just bear in mind that one day, you might be a line manager—so be kind to young professionals. We all went through that phase."
2. A Strong CV Opens Doors
Your CV is your first impression. Dewaele shared practical tips for standing out:
- Keep it simple but impactful – Avoid flashy designs that distract from your achievements.
- Highlight successes – Don’t just list job descriptions; explain how you added value.
- Include hobbies – Unique interests can spark conversations and make you memorable.
He also stressed the importance of preparing thoroughly for interviews, noting that failing to research the company or role is a major red flag.
3. Dreams Are Important, but Stay Open to Change
Dewaele dreamed of working in football since he was 13 but initially pursued law. A two-month project at UEFA turned into three years, leading him to realize he preferred football operations over sports law.
"You might have dreams, but just be open enough because you don’t know yet what you actually want to do. Live your career a little before deciding."
4. Be Flexible in Your Early Career
Early jobs may not be ideal, but they provide crucial experience. Dewaele advised against waiting for the "perfect" role and encouraged taking opportunities to explore different fields.
"Don’t wait for the ideal job in the beginning. Take something, try it out—you have 40+ years to build your career."
5. Change Is an Opportunity
Dewaele highlighted how ECA evolved from a small team to a 55-person organization. He shared how structural changes in his role—like shifting from operations to focusing solely on football—helped him specialize and grow.
"Change management is crucial. If you resist change, you won’t survive in a growing organization."
6. Network Smartly
Networking is essential, but Dewaele warned against being overly aggressive. His tips:
Offer your business card first – Let the senior person decide if they want to connect.
Follow up on LinkedIn – A polite message referencing your conversation keeps the connection warm.
"There’s nothing worse than an intrusive networker. Be professional, and let relationships develop naturally."
Final Thought: Enjoy the Journey
Dewaele closed with a reminder to enjoy the unexpected moments in a career. He shared a fun anecdote about meeting actor Gerard Butler on a film set—a surprise opportunity that came through networking in football.
"You really need to enjoy your job because it always comes with surprises."
Conclusion
Diederik Dewaele’s keynote was a masterclass in career development, blending personal stories with actionable advice. Whether you’re just starting or navigating a career shift, his insights remind us that success is a mix of preparation, adaptability, and passion.
What’s your biggest career lesson?
Watch the full keynote in the video below and leave your comments.