François Saade Jr.: Powering the Rise of Lebanese Judo and Building Global Bridges
From the Tatami to the Boardroom, the Visionary General Director of the Lebanese Judo Federation Champions Growth, Leadership, and Worldwide Collaboration
In the vibrant world of sports, few leaders seamlessly fuse athletic dedication with entrepreneurial prowess like François Saade Jr., the dynamic Director General of the Lebanese Judo Federation. A formidable force in Lebanon’s sporting ecosystem, François is not just steering the growth of Judo nationally—he’s elevating it to a global stage with strategic precision, passion, and innovation.
A Legacy of Leadership Rooted in Sports
Born into a legacy of sports excellence, François Saade Jr. leads not only the Federation but also stands at the helm of Bouddha Club Sports Academy—an iconic institution founded by his father nearly 40 years ago. Under his direction, the academy has remained a pillar of the Lebanese community, cultivating generations of champions with a particular emphasis on martial arts.
From Athlete to Architect of National Progress
François’s journey with Judo is deeply personal. He first rose through the ranks as a Lebanese national athlete, then as Head Coach, where he dramatically elevated the level of competition. His leadership bore fruit as his students clinched international medals, setting a new benchmark for Lebanese Judo. But beyond medals and matches, François focused on mindset—instilling resilience, global ambition, and self-belief into every athlete he coached.
Architect of Prestigious Events
With over a hundred tournaments and events under his belt, François has been the driving force behind some of Lebanon’s most prestigious martial arts gatherings, including the Asian Cadet & Junior Judo Championship. These events have not only placed Lebanon on the regional sporting map but have also inspired a new generation of athletes to reach for international acclaim.
Global Recognition at Paris Grand Slam
A defining moment in François’s illustrious career came in 2024, when the Lebanese Judo Federation received the IJF Award for Judo in Schools during the Paris Grand Slam. On stage in Bercy, in front of thousands, François accepted the award from Mr. Vlad Marinescu, former Director General of the International Judo Federation. It was more than a trophy—it was global validation of a vision that began with two junior high schools and has now expanded nationwide. “Our goal is to multiply these initiatives,” François emphasized, “ensuring that schools in every region can benefit from this program.”
Fusing Sports with Business: The Green Hill Chapter
François’s impact isn’t limited to federations and academies. As the sole franchisee of Green Hill Sports in Lebanon, he has brilliantly merged sports leadership with business acumen. This synergy has fueled resource accessibility, enhanced athlete support, and created a sustainable model for the sport’s continued development.
Looking Beyond Borders: A Vision for the UAE
While Lebanon remains his anchor, François’s vision stretches far beyond. With his eyes now on the UAE, he sees fertile ground for innovation, strategic partnerships, and entrepreneurial growth. “The UAE is a hub of innovation and business growth,” he states. “There’s tremendous potential to explore collaborations that benefit both the region and beyond.” His international network, paired with a deep understanding of how sports and business intersect, positions him perfectly to leave a lasting impact in the Gulf and beyond.
A Visionary in Action
Decisive, driven, and deeply committed, François Saade Jr. embodies a new era of leadership—one that blends athletic discipline with entrepreneurial foresight. Whether he’s empowering youth through grassroots programs or exploring strategic business opportunities in the UAE, François continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in both sport and enterprise.
As he builds alliances and shapes the next chapter of Lebanese Judo, one thing is certain—François Saade Jr. is not just leading a federation; he’s forging a legacy.
Editor-in-Chief of Dubai Magazine, and a columnist for Entrepreneur, Middle East Magazine, CEO Magazine, and The Hollywood Magazine. Known for building one of the fastest-growing media networks spotlighting influential voices across business, fashion, and culture. Passionate about telling stories that matter and creating platforms that elevate global talent.
