On May 26, the world of football will come together for the inaugural World Football Giving Day, a collective effort to give back to the community. Backed by over 100 organizations and supported by prominent football figures such as Jurgen Klopp, Juan Mata, and Vivianne Miedema, this initiative aims to bring people together to participate and donate. Powered by Common Goal, a movement launched by Mata in 2017 where football figures pledge to donate 1% of their salaries, World Football Giving Day seeks to build on the spirit of collective action and social impact.
Common Goal's CEO, Mary Connor, emphasizes the need for everyone to get involved, stating that 'football can mirror the world or it can choose to shape it.' With the reduction of aid and unstable funding situations for non-profits, Connor believes that World Football Giving Day can provide a moment for the global football community to take action and make a positive difference. The initiative has already made a significant impact, with over 500 football figures taking the pledge and raising millions for projects worldwide. Connor shares stories of how football has brought people together, challenging assumptions and fostering connections. From organizing girls' football in Nicaragua to tackling social issues such as HIV/AIDS prevention and gender-based violence, football has proven to be a powerful tool for education, inspiration, and mobilization.
As the world feels more divided than ever, Connor believes that football can unite people across languages, cultures, and backgrounds. 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 get involved, people 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.