Ornella Desiree Bellia
Director of Professional Football Relations and Development at FIFA
A global leader in sports governance, Ornella Desirée Bellia brings a rare blend of legal expertise, international experience, and visionary leadership to the world of football. As Head of Professional Football at FIFA, she drives strategic initiatives to professionalize the game worldwide—strengthening club structures, governance models, and global stakeholder relations. Her career spans top law firms, football institutions, and executive education. Ornella lectures on sports management and law, co-directs the FIFA Diploma in Club Management, and serves on the Advisory Board of the World Football Summit. Fluent in four languages, she is passionate about holistic leadership, athlete wellbeing, and building a more sustainable, inclusive future for the sport.
