On May 26, the global football community will come together to launch World Football Giving Day, a unified effort to give back. This initiative is supported by over 100 organizations worldwide, including renowned football personalities such as Jurgen Klopp, Juan Mata, and Vivianne Miedema, as well as partners like adidas and Right to Dream. The goal is to bring people together to participate and donate, especially at a time when the world is experiencing growing divisions. World Football Giving Day is powered by Common Goal, an initiative launched by Mata in 2017, where football figures pledge to donate 1% of their salaries.
Over 500 individuals have taken this pledge, raising millions for projects globally. Common Goal's CEO, Mary Connor, aims to involve everyone in this effort, emphasizing that football can shape the world for positive outcomes, particularly for young people and communities. Connor believes that football can unite people across languages, cultures, and backgrounds, and that World Football Giving Day can provide a moment for the entire football community to come together for the wellbeing of people off the pitch.
The event will take place in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and aims to become an annual tradition, mobilizing resources to where they are needed most and promoting unity. To take action, individuals can visit the World Football Giving Day website to donate to registered non-profits or find their own way to give back locally or globally.