Former Liverpool striker Divock Origi begins Harvard Business School programme five months after retirement

Former Liverpool striker Divock Origi has traded football for business studies, joining Harvard University just five months after ending his playing career.

The former Belgium international, now 31, is studying at Harvard Business School in the United States after retiring from professional football last June.

Origi has enrolled in Harvard’s “Crossover Into Business” programme, which is designed to help professional athletes build business knowledge and prepare for life after sport.

The course lasts for one academic term and connects participants with mentors from Harvard’s MBA students. Its focus is on developing practical business skills rather than completing a full university degree.

Away from football, Origi has several ambitions, including a particular interest in the fashion industry. He is also developing a football agency called DLF Sports with Marvin Willem Ofori.

“I am really committed to practising fashion as a craft,” Origi previously said, according to The Sun.

The former Milan striker added that he wanted to understand the history of the fashion industry and eventually work alongside some of the world’s leading designers.

Liverpool’s decisive goalscorer

Despite stepping away from football, Origi remains a memorable figure for Liverpool supporters after playing an influential role during Jurgen Klopp’s successful seven-year spell at Anfield.

Liverpool signed him from French club Lille in 2014 for about £10m. He became known for producing important goals, including a dramatic 96th-minute winner against Everton in December 2018 after a notable error by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

His most celebrated Liverpool moments came during the club’s remarkable comeback against Barcelona in the 2019 Champions League semi-final.

After Barcelona had won the first leg 3-0 at home, Liverpool overturned the deficit with a 4-0 victory at Anfield. Origi scored twice, including the decisive fourth goal, which came when Trent Alexander-Arnold took a quick corner.

Origi was also on target in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham in the 2018-19 Champions League final in Madrid. He scored the second goal as Liverpool secured the trophy.

The Belgian forward was part of the Liverpool side that won the Premier League title in 2020, ending the club’s 30-year wait to reclaim the championship.