On May 26, the inaugural World Football Giving Day will bring the global game together in a shared moment of giving back. This initiative is supported by over 100 organizations worldwide, including prominent football figures such as Jurgen Klopp, Juan Mata, and Vivianne Miedema, as well as partners like adidas and Right to Dream.
The idea behind this day is to unite people in participation and donation, particularly at a time of growing global division and ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. World Football Giving Day is powered by Common Goal, an initiative launched by Mata in 2017 where football figures pledge to donate one percent of their salaries. To date, over 500 have taken this pledge, raising millions for projects worldwide.
Common Goal's CEO, Mary Connor, aims to involve everyone in this effort, emphasizing that football can either mirror the world or shape it for positive outcomes. Connor believes that by choosing to use football for good, particularly for young people and communities, it can create a moment where the whole football community can unite for the wellbeing of people off the pitch. She highlights the power of football to bring people together, citing her own experiences as a former professional athlete and co-founder of Soccer Without Borders.
Connor notes that football can challenge assumptions and create connections, even in the face of division. The example of Nicaragua, where girls' football has been used to address teen pregnancy rates and education, demonstrates the potential of football to drive positive change. With thousands of organizations using football to educate, inspire, and mobilize people on issues like HIV/AIDS prevention, gender-based violence, and climate action, Connor is confident that World Football Giving Day can become an annual event that unifies the global football community and mobilizes resources where they are most needed. To take action, individuals can visit the World Football Giving Day website to donate to one of the 100+ registered non-profits or find their own way to give back locally or globally.