Abbott and Real Madrid launch nationwide effort to build the next 'Abbott Dream Team'
MWN-AI** Summary
Abbott, in collaboration with Real Madrid, is launching the second annual 'Abbott Dream Team,' aimed at identifying and supporting promising young soccer players aged 18–19 across the United States. This nationwide initiative includes free selection events that combine soccer training with health education, emphasizing the importance of sports nutrition. Participants will benefit from on-field development sessions led by Real Madrid coaches and nutrition guidance from Abbott experts.
The program will culminate in an all-expenses-paid trip to Madrid for 16 selected members, who will have the unique opportunity to train at Real Madrid’s prestigious facilities, attend a match at the iconic Bernabéu Stadium, and interact with club legends. This year’s initiative builds upon the success of its inaugural launch, striving to empower young athletes not only in their soccer journey but also in health and personal development.
Keynote support comes from former Real Madrid player Marcelo, who will mentor the team, emphasizing the critical link between nutrition and athletic performance. Attendees at selection events in cities like Miami, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles will receive an 'Abbott Dream Team' jersey and health toolkit, ensuring they are equipped with valuable resources from the start.
After the Madrid experience, Dream Team members will return home to share their learned knowledge of health and nutrition within their communities, partnering with Abbott to host events at local soccer and youth organizations. Melissa Brotz, Abbott's Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, highlighted the program's commitment to fostering lifelong healthy habits through the fusion of sports and nutrition. This endeavor illustrates Abbott's dedication to nurturing the next generation of athletes, enhancing their potential both on and off the field.
MWN-AI** Analysis
The recent collaboration between Abbott and Real Madrid to launch the 'Abbott Dream Team' initiative symbolizes a strategic alignment of health, nutrition, and sports development, creating a unique opportunity for both organizations to enhance their brand visibility and community engagement.
From a financial perspective, investors should closely watch Abbott (NYSE: ABT), particularly in light of its commitment to youth development through this program. By associating with the prestigious Real Madrid brand, Abbott not only targets a younger demographic but also reinforces its position as a leader in health sciences and nutrition. This step could lead to increased brand loyalty and customer engagement, ultimately driving revenue growth in its nutritional products division.
Moreover, the initiative aligns well with current market trends that emphasize preventive health and fitness. As consumers increasingly prioritize health and wellness, Abbott’s investment in sustainable youth programs may enhance its long-term growth trajectory. Given that the 'Abbott Dream Team' is not merely a marketing tactic but integrates health education into sports training, this could enhance Abbott's reputation in the wellness sector.
Real Madrid, recognized as a top global sports brand, provides Abbott with a significant platform to reach millions of fans worldwide, further enhancing market penetration. With over 660 million followers on social media, the partnerships can generate substantial publicity around Abbott’s nutritional solutions. The visibility gained through these events will likely translate into stronger sales and an uptick in stock performance.
As a market analyst, it would be prudent to monitor Abbott's financial reports for any uplift in the nutritional segment correlated with the success of the 'Abbott Dream Team'. Overall, this collaboration represents a promising opportunity for both Abbott and investors looking for growth within the health and wellness industry.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
PR Newswire
- Abbott, in collaboration with Real Madrid, will host free selection events combining soccer and health education to identify the second annual 'Abbott Dream Team'
- All participants will receive sports nutrition guidance from Abbott experts and take part in on-field development sessions led by Real Madrid coaches
- The 16 selected male and female 'Abbott Dream Team' members, ages 18–19, will travel to Spain on an all?expenses?paid trip to train at Real Madrid's official facilities
- Learn more and register at AbbottDreamTeam.com
ABBOTT PARK, Ill., March 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) announced today the launch of the second year of the 'Abbott Dream Team,' encouraging young soccer players aged 18–19 across the United States to sign up for the chance to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime development experience in Madrid. Selected participants will train with Real Madrid's world?renowned coaches at the club's facilities and enjoy unique opportunities, including attending a Real Madrid match at the Bernabéu Stadium and meeting club legends. Building on the success of last year's inaugural program, the initiative once again aims to help promising athletes strengthen their skills, knowledge and confidence on and off the pitch.
As part of the experience, Abbott health experts and Real Madrid's medical team will continue providing participants with the latest advancements in sports health and nutrition – helping them better understand their bodies, build healthier habits, and reach peak performance.
Following their training in Madrid, this year's 'Abbott Dream Team' will return home to lead health and nutrition sessions with Abbott at local soccer and youth organizations, inspiring even more young players to embrace healthy habits and pursue their potential.
To share invaluable perspective on the qualities needed to sustain success on the field, legendary Real Madrid player Marcelo will join this year's 'Abbott Dream Team' as a mentor.
"During my years at Real Madrid, I benefited from world?class nutrition and health guidance," Marcelo said. "Young players can't reach their full potential without a strong nutritional foundation, and I'm excited to work with Abbott to help the next generation build the habits and skills that fueled my career."
'Abbott Dream Team' Selection Events
All selection event participants will engage in dynamic soccer development sessions led by Real Madrid coaches and receive health and nutrition education from Abbott. Attendees will receive an 'Abbott Dream Team' adidas jersey and an Abbott health toolkit. Space is limited per event, and athletes must provide proof of age. Participants will receive a confirmation notice following registration.
Athletes can learn more and register at AbbottDreamTeam.com. Selection events will take place at the following locations and dates:
- Miami: Tuesday, May 19
- AutoNation Field (7620 SW 36th St, Davie, FL 33314)
- Washington, D.C.: Thursday, May 21
- Howard University (Girard St & 6th St NW, Washington, DC 20059)
- Houston: Wednesday, May 27
- South Houston High School (3820 Shaver St, South Houston, TX 77587)
- Kansas City: Tuesday, June 2
- Shawnee Mission Soccer Complex (9300 Nieman Rd, Overland Park, KS 66214)
- Los Angeles: Thursday, June 4
- California State University, Los Angeles (22 Circle Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90032)
- Chicago: Tuesday, June 9
- Intentional Sports (1841 N Laramie Ave, Chicago, IL 60639)
The 'Abbott Dream Team' Madrid Experience
Following the nationwide selection events, 16 players will be picked for their teamwork, soccer skills, leadership, and growth mindset and sent on an all?expenses?paid trip to Madrid for an unforgettable experience. Members of the final roster will train with Real Madrid coaches at the club's renowned facilities, attend a match at the iconic Bernabéu Stadium, meet club legends and learn about the latest advancements in sports science from Abbott nutritionists and Real Madrid's medical team.
Inspiring Health, Performance and Potential
Following their trip to Madrid, 'Abbott Dream Team' members will have the opportunity to share their knowledge and help promote the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle within their local communities by collaborating with Abbott to participate in health training events at local soccer and youth organizations.
"Following a successful first year, we're excited to bring back the 'Abbott Dream Team' and continue empowering young athletes through the power of nutrition and sport," said Melissa Brotz, chief marketing, communications and sustainability officer, Abbott. "Good health is critical to success on and off the pitch, and this program gives players lifelong tools they can carry with them well beyond their athletic careers. Our partnership with Real Madrid and the Dream Team program reflects that shared commitment."
As the Global Health Sciences and Nutrition Partner of the Real Madrid Football Club, Abbott provides nutritional guidance for Real Madrid's first men's and women's and Academy teams through research-based dietary recommendations backed by the company's over 135-year heritage in health sciences and understanding of the needs of athletes.
The 'Abbott Dream Team' program is a youth development and educational initiative and is not affiliated with player recruitment or talent scouting for Real Madrid C.F.
About Abbott
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries. Connect with us at abbott.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
About Real Madrid C.F.
Real Madrid C.F. is a sport entity with 124 years of history. It is the club with the most European Cups of both football (15) and basketball (11) and was awarded by FIFA as the Best Club of the twentieth century. Real Madrid has millions of fans in all corners of the world, with more than 660 million followers on social media, being the strongest football brand in the world according to Brand Finance for the fourth year in a row and also the highest earning football club in the world in the 24-25 season (Football Money League by Deloitte). More information about Real Madrid C.F. is available at www.realmadrid.com, the most visited football club website for the seventh consecutive year.
SOURCE Abbott
FAQ**
How does the partnership between Abbott Laboratories ABT and Real Madrid enhance the brand's visibility among young athletes and their families in the U.S.?
What measurable outcomes does Abbott Laboratories ABT expect from the second annual 'Abbott Dream Team' program in terms of community health engagement and youth participation in sports?
In what ways will Abbott Laboratories ABT leverage the experiences of previous 'Abbott Dream Team' members to inform the development of future health and nutrition initiatives?
How will Abbott Laboratories ABT assess the effectiveness of the sports nutrition programs provided during the 'Abbott Dream Team' selection events and the subsequent training in Madrid?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT).
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