On May 26, the global football community will come together for the inaugural World Football Giving Day, a shared moment to give back. This initiative is supported by over 100 organizations worldwide, including famous football personalities 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 bring people together to participate and donate, especially 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. Over 500 have taken this pledge, raising millions for projects worldwide.
Common Goal's CEO, Mary Connor, aims to involve everyone in this initiative, stating that football can shape the world for positive outcomes, particularly for young people and communities. Connor emphasizes that the reduction of aid and unstable funding situation for non-profits necessitate collective action, and World Football Giving Day provides an opportunity for everyone who loves the game to contribute. The initiative has the potential to challenge assumptions and bring people together, as seen in Connor's own experiences using football to connect with people in various countries. Examples from Nicaragua and other countries demonstrate how football can address social issues such as teen pregnancy and gender-based violence.
With the launch of World Football Giving Day, the goal is to create an annual tradition that mobilizes resources and unifies the global football community. To participate, individuals can donate to registered non-profits or find their own way to give back locally or globally through the World Football Giving Day website.