On the night before the 2023 Women’s World Cup kicked off, Danish midfielder Sofie Junge Pedersen spearheaded what became the largest player‑driven climate‑action movement ever seen in football. Fast‑forward to the upcoming men’s tournament, and she is now championing World Football Giving Day – a fresh initiative that aims to amplify the sport’s charitable impact even further. World Football Giving Day is set for May 26 and is designed to inspire fans, players and clubs alike to donate and get involved in raising funds for non‑profit organisations worldwide that are struggling after recent cuts to aid budgets.
The campaign has attracted the backing of high‑profile figures such as Jürgen Klopp, Juan Mata, Dani Olmo, Vivianne Miedema and, of course, Pedersen herself. "Football possesses a unique capacity to bring people together," Pedersen told Sky Sports. "It is the most popular sport on the planet, which gives it extraordinary influence.
With that influence comes responsibility – we have millions of followers, and we should use that platform to make the world a better place." Mary Connor, chief executive of the Common Goal movement, also discussed the launch with Sky Sports, highlighting how the new day builds on the ethos of collective giving that underpins the organization. Pedersen, a committed member of Common Goal, has long walked the talk by pledging a percentage of her salary to charitable causes. She explained that actions speak louder than slogans. "It’s easy to utter nice‑sounding phrases about eradicating poverty or ensuring every child receives an education," she said.
"But those words can feel empty if they aren’t backed by concrete steps. Many organisations are under‑resourced and need even modest support. By contributing together, we demonstrate that no one is fighting alone – we are a community." Reflecting on her experience with Common Goal, Pedersen added, "I have seen how collective action can empower communities and channel the passion of the game toward real social impact.
World Football Giving Day extends that spirit, creating a moment where the entire football family can unite—not for trophies on the pitch, but for the wellbeing of people off it. I’m proud to stand behind it." Now 34, Pedersen’s commitment to philanthropy stretches back years. She has travelled to Zambia to see the tangible outcomes of her fundraising drives and spent extensive periods in Ghana, where she observed first‑hand how deeply football is woven into everyday life.
"In both countries, football is more than a game; it’s a lifeline that brings joy, health, teamwork and a sense of belonging," she noted. The Sky Sports app promotes the day, reminding fans that life can be harsh and that moments of joy and peace are vital. Football, she argues, offers those moments while also delivering health benefits and teaching cooperation. In Ghana, Pedersen helped launch a project that paired football sessions with workshops on sexual and reproductive health and rights.
"We invited experts to speak with the girls in a safe environment, turning the pitch into a space where they could learn about critical health issues," she explained. While Pedersen is doing her part, she expressed frustration that the sport’s massive financial engine is not being fully leveraged for societal change.
"Football should definitely do more. We have no excuses," she asserted. "We hear about astronomical salaries and record‑breaking transfer fees.
Why should those sums keep inflating without a portion being redirected to grassroots development, climate action, or support for children and young people?" She recalled the initiative she helped launch ahead of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, where a coalition of players financed the offsetting of their travel emissions. "It wasn’t perfect, but it was a start. The money was invested in green technologies, turning a small contribution into a longer‑term environmental benefit." Staying optimistic in a world where progress can feel sluggish is a challenge she acknowledges.
"I follow the news closely and sometimes feel disheartened by global developments," Pedersen admitted. "CO₂ emissions are still rising, even if the curve is flattening a bit. Experts say the green transition is inevitable, but it’s taking longer than we need. Renewable energy may still be years away, yet people are already suffering from droughts, floods and loss of arable land caused by climate change.
Those realities are easy to forget." At Juventus, Pedersen organized squad‑wide briefings to explain these issues and suggest practical steps players could take. She has done the same with the Danish national team, using every opportunity to raise awareness.
"When I can, I try to speak about the crisis," she said. "But I also recognize that people can shut down if they feel lectured. Even though I sometimes feel like screaming because the situation is unacceptable, I try to stay pragmatic and find the most effective ways to inspire small but meaningful changes." World Football Giving Day represents one of those avenues. By donating to any of the 100‑plus vetted non‑profits listed on the official website (www.worldfootballgivingday.org) or by creating your own local initiative, fans can translate their love for the sport into tangible assistance for communities in need.
Pedersen’s message is clear: the football world has the resources, the platform and the passion to drive real change. All it takes is collective will and a willingness to act. Whether you contribute financially, volunteer time, or simply spread the word, you become part of a growing movement that aims to turn the beautiful game into a force for good. To join the effort, visit the World Football Giving Day site, select a cause that resonates with you, and make a donation.
Every contribution, no matter how modest, adds up when millions of fans and players stand together. And for those looking for a bit of extra excitement, Sky Sports is also running a Super 6 competition with a prize pool of £250,000 – free to enter and another reminder that football can bring both joy and generosity to its worldwide community.