Abbott and Real Madrid launch nationwide effort to build the next 'Abbott Dream Team'

Rhea-AI Summary

Abbott (NYSE: ABT) and Real Madrid launched year two of the Abbott Dream Team, a nationwide youth program for 18–19-year-old soccer players offering free selection events, health and nutrition education, and on-field development led by Real Madrid coaches. 16 finalists will receive an all‑expenses‑paid training trip to Madrid and return to lead local health sessions.

Selection events run May–June in Miami, Washington D.C., Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles and Chicago; participants register at AbbottDreamTeam.com. Marcelo will join as a mentor.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

News Market Reaction – ABT

-0.27%

1 alert

-0.27% News Effect

On the day this news was published, ABT declined 0.27%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Dream Team size: 16 players Participant ages: 18–19 years Program year: Second year +5 more

8 metrics

Dream Team size 16 players Number of male and female members selected for 2026 Abbott Dream Team

Participant ages 18–19 years Eligible age range for U.S. soccer players in program

Program year Second year Launch of the second annual Abbott Dream Team initiative

Miami event date Tuesday, May 19 Selection event at AutoNation Field in Davie, Florida

Washington, D.C. date Thursday, May 21 Selection event at Howard University

Los Angeles date Thursday, June 4 Selection event at California State University, Los Angeles

Chicago date Tuesday, June 9 Selection event at Intentional Sports, Chicago

Company heritage Over 135 years Abbott’s heritage in health sciences cited in article

Market Reality Check

Price: $87.01 Vol: Volume 8,610,440 is rough...

normal vol

$87.01 Last Close

Volume Volume 8,610,440 is roughly in line with the 20-day average of 8,687,844. normal

Technical Shares at $110.55 are trading below the 200-day MA of $126.64 and sit between the 52-week high $139.15 and low $105.27.

Peers on Argus

ABT was down 1.86% while key device peers showed mixed moves: BSX -2%, SYK -1.63...

ABT was down 1.86% while key device peers showed mixed moves: BSX -2%, SYK -1.63%, MDT -1.45%, SNN -2.99%, and EW +2.13%, pointing to stock-specific factors rather than a clean sector-wide trend.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Mar 05 (Negative)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Mar 05	Litigation update	Negative	-1.8%	NEC multidistrict litigation developments involving infant formula products.
Feb 20	Acquisition approval	Positive	+2.7%	Exact Sciences holders approve cash acquisition by Abbott at fixed per-share price.
Feb 20	Dividend declaration	Positive	+0.0%	409th consecutive quarterly dividend and 54-year dividend increase streak.
Feb 06	Clinical data	Positive	+1.6%	Late-breaking data show strong safety and efficacy for AFib ablation devices.
Jan 22	Earnings and outlook	Positive	-10.0%	Solid 4Q25 and 2025 results plus 2026 growth outlook, followed by share decline.

Pattern Detected

Recent news reactions mostly aligned with the underlying tone, with one notable divergence on earnings/guidance.

Recent Company History

Over the last few months, Abbott has reported strong 4Q25 and full-year 2025 results with double-digit adjusted EPS growth and solid sales, yet shares fell more than 10% after that report. Subsequent updates – including positive AFib ablation data, an approved acquisition of Exact Sciences with a $105-per-share cash offer, and the 409th consecutive dividend – saw modestly positive or stable reactions. This youth-focused Real Madrid partnership fits Abbott’s broader health and nutrition positioning rather than marking a financial or clinical inflection point.

Regulatory & Risk Context

Active S-3 Shelf

Shelf Active

Active S-3 Shelf Registration 2026-02-23

Abbott has an effective Form S-3ASR shelf registration dated February 23, 2026, allowing it to issue various securities, including debt and equity, from time to time. The filing notes 1,737,682,887 common shares outstanding and 2,400,000,000 authorized common shares as of January 31, 2026.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights Abbott’s continued collaboration with Real Madrid through the second ye...

Analysis

This announcement highlights Abbott’s continued collaboration with Real Madrid through the second year of the Abbott Dream Team, offering 16 U.S. players aged 18–19 an all-expenses-paid training experience in Madrid. It underscores Abbott’s focus on sports health, nutrition education, and community outreach rather than immediate financial impact. In context with recent earnings, clinical data, and acquisition activity, this program mainly reinforces brand strength and long-term engagement with young athletes and consumers.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

• 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.

 

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SOURCE Abbott

FAQ

What is the Abbott Dream Team program announced March 11, 2026 by ABT?

The Abbott Dream Team is a youth development program for 18–19-year-old soccer players. According to Abbott, it offers free selection events, coaching by Real Madrid staff, sports nutrition education, and an all-expenses-paid Madrid training trip for 16 finalists.

How can 18–19-year-old players register for the Abbott Dream Team (ABT) selection events?

Players register online at AbbottDreamTeam.com to attend selection events. According to Abbott, participants must provide proof of age, will receive confirmation after registering, and will get an Abbott adidas jersey and an Abbott health toolkit at events.

Which cities host the Abbott Dream Team selection events in 2026 for ABT applicants?

Selection events take place in Miami, Washington D.C., Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles and Chicago between May 19 and June 9. According to Abbott, exact venues and dates are listed online and space is limited per event.

What do the 16 selected Abbott Dream Team members (ABT) receive in Madrid?

Selected players receive an all-expenses-paid trip to train at Real Madrid's facilities and attend a Bernabéu match. According to Abbott, finalists will train with Real Madrid coaches, meet club legends, and learn sports science from Abbott nutritionists and the club medical team.

Will Abbott Dream Team members share their training after returning from Madrid, and how?

Yes. According to Abbott, returning Dream Team members will lead health and nutrition sessions with Abbott at local soccer and youth organizations to promote healthy habits and inspire other young players in their communities.