On the night before the 2023 Women’s World Cup kicked off, Danish midfielder Sofie Junge Pedersen spearheaded what became the most extensive player-driven climate initiative ever seen in football. Fast forward to the lead‑up to the men’s tournament, and Pedersen is now championing World Football Giving Day – a broader, more ambitious effort aimed at mobilising the global football community for charitable giving. World Football Giving Day is scheduled for 26 May and is intended to inspire fans, clubs and players alike to donate to a wide range of non‑profit organisations that have been hit hard by recent cuts to aid funding. The campaign has attracted the backing of several high‑profile figures, including Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, former Spain international Juan Mata, Spain winger Dani Olmo, England women’s star Vivianne Miedema, and of course Pedersen herself.
"Football possesses a singular ability to bring people together," Pedersen told Sky Sports. "It is the world’s most popular sport, so its reach is massive. With that reach comes a 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 spoke to Sky Sports about the launch of the new initiative. Pedersen, a 34‑year‑old Denmark international, is not just a vocal advocate; she backs her statements with concrete action.
As a member of Common Goal – a scheme where football professionals pledge 1% of their salaries to charitable causes – she was a natural fit to lead this latest mission. "Words can sometimes feel hollow," she explained. "It’s easy to utter lofty phrases about eradicating poverty or ensuring every child receives an education. But those statements only matter when they are backed by real effort.
There are countless organisations that need a modest boost, and we should all contribute. By acting together we send a clear message: you are not alone, we are many, and we can achieve more as a collective." Through her involvement with Common Goal, Pedersen has witnessed first‑hand how coordinated action can empower communities and channel the passion of football into tangible social impact.
"World Football Giving Day builds on that spirit," she said. "It creates a single moment where the entire football family can unite, not for victories on the pitch, but for the wellbeing of people off it. I am proud to lend my voice and my effort to this cause." Pedersen’s commitment to charitable work stretches back years. She has travelled to Zambia to see the outcomes of her fundraising drives and spent extensive periods in Ghana, where she observed the profound role football plays in everyday life.
"In both countries I saw how football can be a beacon of hope," she recalled. The World Football Giving Day platform lists more than a hundred registered charities, ranging from climate‑action groups to organisations supporting health, education and youth development. Pedersen highlighted the importance of joy and community in difficult times: "Life can be tough, and moments of happiness and peace are essential. Football offers so many benefits – it promotes health, teaches teamwork, and brings people together." She gave a concrete example from Ghana, where a project combined football training with workshops on sexual and reproductive health and rights.
"A speaker would visit the girls after practice and create a safe space for them to discuss these critical topics," Pedersen explained. "It turns the pitch into a classroom for life‑changing information." Despite her personal contributions, Pedersen expressed frustration that the sport’s full financial might is still under‑utilised for societal change.
"Football should definitely do more. We have no excuses," she argued. "We constantly hear about astronomical player salaries and record‑breaking transfer fees.
Why should those sums keep inflating without a portion being redirected to grassroots clubs, climate projects, or programmes for children and young people?" One of her proudest achievements from the 2023 Women’s World Cup was organising a group of players to offset the carbon footprint of their own travel. "It wasn’t a massive gesture, but it mattered," she said. "We invested the money in green‑technology projects, turning a cost into a climate‑positive action." Staying optimistic in a world where progress can feel slow is a challenge she acknowledges.
"I keep up with the news and sometimes it makes me sad," Pedersen admitted. "CO2 emissions are still rising, even if the curve is flattening a little. Experts tell us the green transition will happen, but the timeline feels too long.
Climate change is already affecting people – droughts, floods, loss of farmland – and we can’t ignore that suffering." At Juventus, Pedersen arranged squad‑wide presentations to raise awareness of these issues and suggest practical steps players could take. She has done the same with the Danish national team, using every opportunity to educate teammates about the climate crisis.
"Some people shut down when they feel lectured," she noted. "Even though I sometimes feel like shouting, I try to stay pragmatic and find the most effective ways to inspire small but meaningful change." World Football Giving Day is one of those pathways. By donating through the website (www.worldfootballgivingday.org) supporters can choose any of the listed charities or even create their own local initiative.
Pedersen encourages everyone to take part, whether through a financial contribution, volunteering time, or simply spreading the word. In addition to the charitable push, Sky Sports is running a promotion called Super 6, offering a chance to win £250,000.
While the prize adds excitement for fans, the core message remains clear: football has the power to unite, to inspire, and to drive real‑world progress. Sofie Junge Pedersen will continue to use her platform, her voice and her actions to ensure that power is harnessed for the greater good.