Xavi Simons Starts Harvard Course During Tottenham ACL Rehabilitation
Tottenham midfielder Xavi Simons is using his long rehabilitation from an anterior cruciate ligament injury to begin a business course at Harvard University, while maintaining that his return to football remains his central objective.
The Netherlands international has been sidelined since rupturing his ACL in April, an injury that ended his domestic campaign early and ruled him out of the World Cup. Simons has spent part of his recovery period in the United States, where he continued his physical work and visited Harvard’s Boston campus.
Harvard course during rehabilitation
Simons has been accepted on Harvard’s Crossover into Business programme, which is aimed at elite athletes preparing for commercial and leadership roles beyond their playing careers. Participants work with Harvard MBA students, who provide mentoring through business cases and management exercises.
The midfielder said the course reflects an interest in developing away from the game as well as on the pitch.
“I’m going back to school,” Simons said. “During my recovery, I’ve been trying to use my time in the best way possible. Football remains my main focus, but I also want to continue learning and improving away from the pitch.
“I have always had interests beyond football. I want to better understand the business side of the sport, learn from people working in other industries and continue growing as a person.”
Spurs return remains the priority
Simons scored five goals for Tottenham last season before sustaining the knee injury and had become an important part of the side’s attacking options. He is continuing his recovery with the club’s medical staff as he works towards being ready for the physical demands of Premier League football.
He stressed that the Harvard commitment will not alter his immediate football target.
“Returning to the pitch is still my number one priority,” he said. “At the same time, I want to use this period to keep learning and invest in myself beyond football. I’m looking forward to starting.”
A programme with sporting links
Harvard’s Crossover into Business course has previously included athletes from major American sports, including the NBA and NFL. Two-time Grand Slam winner Victoria Azarenka is among its notable former participants.
Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga has also completed a comparable Harvard programme focused on entertainment and media business. Sir Alex Ferguson has had a connection with the university as well, having previously held a teaching role there.
