Eduardo Kamavinga, the 23-year-old French defender, had anticipated spending this period competing in the World Cup for France. However, he was not included in Didier Deschamps’ squad for the tournament. Despite missing out on the national team, Kamavinga has travelled to the United States to undertake an academic programme.
Kamavinga has enrolled in a specialised course at the prestigious Harvard Business School in Boston. The programme focuses on sports and entertainment management, covering areas such as industry operations, governance, and strategic planning. This initiative allows the Real Madrid player to engage in structured learning while remaining geographically close to the French national team.
The French team’s conditioning camp for the World Cup is located in Waltham, Massachusetts, less than 50 kilometres from Harvard Business School. Kamavinga has shared photographs from the university classroom on social media, noting: “A few days have passed in learning, listening, and enriching myself. I am grateful for this experience at Harvard Business School.” The posts have attracted considerable attention from his supporters.
Kamavinga had previously represented France at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and had hoped to participate in the current tournament. However, following an uneven season at Real Madrid, the national team coach did not select him for the squad.
France is competing in Group I of the World Cup. The team’s opening match is scheduled for 16 June against Senegal. France will then face Iraq and Norway in their subsequent group fixtures. The schedule is as follows:
| Match Number | Opponent | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Senegal | 16 June | Pending |
| 2 | Iraq | TBD | Pending |
| 3 | Norway | TBD | Pending |
Although Kamavinga is absent from the squad, his proximity to the team’s camp ensures he remains connected to France’s preparations for the tournament. This combination of professional development and continued engagement with national team activities underscores his commitment to both personal growth and football.
The Harvard programme offers players and professionals insight into the administrative and commercial aspects of sports, providing skills that extend beyond the pitch. Kamavinga’s participation reflects a growing trend among elite footballers to invest in education during periods away from competitive play.
By balancing academic pursuits with awareness of national team activities, Kamavinga demonstrates a strategic approach to career development, ensuring readiness for future opportunities while enhancing his understanding of sports management.