While football brings joy and connects millions of people worldwide, many players have used their influence to create positive change off the pitch.
From fighting for gender equality and protecting the environment to supporting underprivileged communities, they show that the power of football goes beyond goals.
Let’s take a look at 8 footballers who are making a meaningful impact on the world.
The controversy surrounding the 2022 World Cup in Qatar has highlighted significant global issues, including human rights concerns and the lack of equality for women and individuals.
In this climate, it's essential to recognize those using their platform for change. Here are eight footballers who are soccer player philanthropy stepping off the pitch to create a better world:
1. Sadio Mané (Senegal)
More than a Bayern Munich forward and Senegalese star, Sadio Mané is a force for good in his home country.
After losing his father due to a lack of medical facilities, he donated £500,000 to build a hospital for his community.
Mané has also supported education by funding a secondary school in his village and contributed £40,000 to Senegal’s COVID-19 relief efforts.
2. Khalida Popal (Afghanistan)
Former Afghanistan women’s national team player Khalida Popal has been an outspoken advocate for women’s rights. She courageously addressed cenzura-spam abuse allegations in Afghan football and founded Girl Power, an organization dedicated to empowering women through sports and education.
3. Marcus Rashford (England)
Marcus Rashford, the star forward for Manchester United and the England national team, is a powerful voice for social justice, using his influence to address child food poverty in the UK.
Growing up in a single-parent household in Manchester, Rashford experienced firsthand the struggles of food insecurity. This personal connection has fueled his mission to ensure no child goes hungry. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he campaigned tirelessly to extend free school meals to children from low-income families during holidays, prompting the UK government to reverse its decision and provide critical support.
Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford has championed the fight against child food poverty. Drawing from his own childhood experiences, he successfully lobbied the UK government to extend free meal programs for children during school holidays and formed a task force to combat child hunger.
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4. Morten Thorsby (Norway)
Morten Thorsby, a Norwegian footballer currently playing for Union Berlin, is not only recognized for his skills on the field but also for his unwavering commitment to climate action. Thorsby has used his platform to advocate for environmental sustainability and raise awareness about the pressing issue of global warming.
Union Berlin’s Morten Thorsby is a leading voice in climate action. His jersey number, 2, symbolizes the Paris Agreement’s temperature goals. In 2020, he founded We Play Green, an initiative encouraging sustainability in football through players and clubs worldwide.
5. Didier Drogba (Côte d’Ivoire)
Didier Drogba, the legendary Ivorian striker, is celebrated not only for his prolific football career but also for his dedication to social change. His impact transcends the pitch, as he has leveraged his global platform to advocate for peace, education, and better opportunities for future generations.
In 2005, Didier Drogba delivered a heartfelt speech advocating for peace in Côte d’Ivoire amid a civil war. His Didier Drogba Foundation prioritizes education, providing school supplies and gifts to vulnerable children. Drogba has also invested in infrastructure, sports facilities, and startups across Africa.
6. Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria)
FC Barcelona and Nigeria Women’s National Team star Asisat Oshoala empowers young girls through the Asisat Oshoala Foundation. This initiative supports education and mentorship for girls in Lagos, inspiring them to pursue their dreams.
7. Juan Mata (Spain)
Juan Mata, a gifted midfielder for Galatasaray and the Spanish national team, is widely admired for his elegance on the pitch and his heartfelt commitment to making the world a better place. Recognizing the disparities in the football industry, Mata has boldly addressed the excessive wealth in the sport and sought to channel its resources for global good.
Galatasaray midfielder Juan Mata is the co-founder of Common Goal, an organization urging footballers to pledge 1% of their income toward the UN’s Global Goals. The initiative tackles racism, promotes gender equality, and supports social enterprises. Over 160 players have joined the cause.
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8. Megan Rapinoe (United States)
A symbol of activism, US Women’s National Team member Megan Rapinoe is a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, feminism, and racial equality. Her efforts led to a landmark equal-pay victory for women’s football in the US, setting a precedent for fairness in sports.
These players remind us that football is more than a game—it’s a platform for meaningful change. Whether fighting hunger, gender inequality, or climate issues, their actions inspire us to make a difference.
Conclusion:
These eight footballers demonstrate that their influence extends far beyond the game. Through their dedication to social justice, environmental sustainability, education, and equality, they prove that athletes can inspire positive change on a global scale. Their actions remind us that we all have the power to contribute to a better world, no matter where we come from. Football, after all, is more than a sport—it’s a force for unity, hope, and progress
