Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Xavi Simons has enrolled in Harvard Business School's Crossover into Business program while recovering from a serious knee injury in the United States.
The 23-year-old Netherlands international is using the semester-long online course to build commercial knowledge and explore interests beyond professional soccer.
Tottenham announced on October 8, 2026, that the program is designed specifically for professional athletes.
Participants study business alongside Harvard MBA students through practical case studies and lessons on enterprise management.
Injury Recovery and Academic Pursuit
Simons ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in April, an injury that ruled him out of the 2026 World Cup.
He has not appeared for Tottenham this season, and his return is expected after an extended rehabilitation period.
The Evening Standard reported that he could return around the beginning of the new year, depending on his recovery.
In a LinkedIn post, Simons described the decision as an opportunity to continue learning while injured.
"I'm going back to school," Simons wrote on LinkedIn.
He explained that football remains his principal priority but that he also wants to develop skills away from the pitch.
"During my recovery, I've been trying to use my time in the best way possible," Simons said.
"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."
"It's an online program where professional athletes learn more about business alongside HBS MBA students."
During his rehabilitation, Simons has traveled across the United States, spending time on both the East Coast and West Coast.
Tottenham reported that he met athletes from American professional sports and visited Boston, Massachusetts, where Harvard is located.
Simons also highlighted his longstanding interest in business and personal development as reasons for enrolling.
"I've always been interested in more than just football," Simons said.
"I want to understand the business side of the game better, learn from people in different industries and keep developing as a person."
His visit to Harvard also gave him an opportunity to reconnect with Professor Anita Elberse.
According to Simons, they first met during his time at FC Barcelona and later met again while he was at Paris Saint-Germain.
"Over the last few weeks, I've spent time on both the East Coast and West Coast in the U.
S. , meeting new people and seeing different ways of working," Simons said.
"It's given me a lot of new ideas. It also makes this experience extra special because of 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."
The Crossover into Business program has previously included athletes from the NBA, NFL and professional tennis.
Among its former participants is Victoria Azarenka, a former world No. 1 tennis player and two-time major champion.
Simons is also following other professional footballers who have pursued business education at Harvard.
In June 2026, Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga attended a short course covering the business of entertainment, media and sports after being left out of France's World Cup squad.
Former Chelsea players Cesar Azpilicueta and Juan Mata have also pursued studies related to business and the sports industry.
Despite his academic commitment, Simons emphasized that returning to competitive football remains his immediate goal.
"Getting back on the pitch is still my number one priority," Simons said.
"At the same time, I want to use this period to keep learning and invest in myself beyond football.
Looking forward to getting started."
