Thinking Football Summit, set to take place from September 12 to 14 at the Super Bock Arena in Porto.

As a key figure in European football, Sergei Palkin has led FC Shakhtar Donetsk since 2004. His tenure has seen the club rise to prominence in Ukrainian football and gain recognition across Europe. Palkin was instrumental in assembling the team that won the UEFA Cup in the 2008-09 season, a landmark achievement that enhanced Shakhtar’s global standing. Under Palkin’s leadership, Shakhtar’s prestigious youth academy has produced many top talents who have made significant contributions to European football.

He has also steered the club through challenging periods, including the current conflict with Russia, which necessitated the team’s relocation from Donetsk to Kiev. Despite these obstacles, Shakhtar has continued to excel, regularly competing in the UEFA Champions League and maintaining its reputation as one of Ukraine’s top clubs.

Sergei Palkin joins a distinguished roster of speakers, including Antero Henrique, Sporting Director of the Qatar Stars League; Carlos Queiroz, former national team coach; Claire Bloomfield, Director of Women’s Football at the European Club Association; Deco, former Portuguese international and current Sporting Director at FC Barcelona; Francisco de Sá Fardilha, Technical Director of Women’s Football at FC Bayern Munich; Guy-Laurent Epstein, UEFA Marketing Director; Javier Tebas, President of LaLiga; Luís Campos, Sporting Director at Paris Saint-Germain; Nicolás Burdisso, former Argentine international; Ornella Desirée Bellia, FIFA’s Director of Professional Football Relations and Development; Paulo Sousa, coach of Shabab Al Ahli; Sol Campbell, former England international and tech entrepreneur; and Stefano Braghin, Director of Women’s Football at Juventus.

The schedule for the third edition of the Thinking Football Summit is now available online. Tickets can be purchased HERE.