The Role of ESG Performance in Enhancing Intellectual Capital and Sustainability in European Football Clubs: A First Empirical Application

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance and intellectual capital (IC) in professional football clubs. Using a quali-quantitative approach, the research analyzes secondary data from ESG scores and IC metrics of 17 European football clubs. Pearson correlation coefficients are employed to assess the links between ESG performance and IC dimensions, including player market value (human capital), social media engagement (relational capital), and stadium ownership (structural capital). The findings indicate that ESG practices positively influence intellectual capital, especially when IC components are considered collectively, demonstrating a stronger positive association than individual components. This underscores the synergistic effect of integrating intangible assets into a sustainability framework. The study contributes to theoretical understanding by linking ESG practices to value-creation strategies in professional sports. Practical implications highlight how football clubs can align ESG initiatives with recruitment, fan engagement, and infrastructure investments to enhance financial and social outcomes. Policymakers can use the results to promote ESG adoption in sports, while investors may view ESG performance as a marker of long-term stability and growth. This research empirically explores ESG and IC interplay in football, offering actionable insights and a framework for future studies.