On May 26, the world of football will come together for the inaugural World Football Giving Day, a shared moment of philanthropy. Backed by over 100 organizations and supported by prominent 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 harness the collective power of the football community to drive positive social change.
Common Goal CEO Mary Connor emphasizes the importance of collective action, stating, 'Football can mirror the world or it can choose to shape it.' With millions of dollars in aid being reduced and nearly half of non-profits facing unstable funding, Connor stresses the need for everyone who loves the game to take action. World Football Giving Day is an opportunity for the global football community to unite and make a difference. The initiative has the potential to address various social issues, such as teen pregnancy rates, gender-based violence, and climate action, by using football as a tool for education, inspiration, and mobilization.
As Connor notes, 'Nothing unites like football,' and this summer's launch, coinciding with the lead-up to the World Cup, aims to become an annual event, growing in scale and impact each year. To get involved, visit the World Football Giving Day website to donate to one of the registered non-profits or find your own way to give back in your local community or globally.