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‑action movement ever seen in football. Fast forward to the upcoming men’s tournament, and she is now championing World Football Giving Day – a broader initiative aimed at mobilising fans and players alike to support charities on a single, powerful day of generosity. World Football Giving Day is scheduled for 26 May and is intended to inspire individuals to donate and get involved in raising funds for non‑profit organisations worldwide that are suffering from recent cuts to aid. The campaign has attracted the backing of high‑profile football 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. "Because it is the world’s most popular sport, it carries a huge responsibility.
With so many followers, we have to do more than just entertain – we must actively work to improve the world around us." Mary Connor, chief executive of Common Goal, also spoke to Sky Sports about the launch of the new venture. Pedersen, a Denmark international, is not merely a spokesperson; she lives the principles she promotes.
As a member of Common Goal – a movement where football professionals pledge one per cent of their earnings to charitable causes – she was a natural fit to lead this latest effort. "Words can feel hollow if they are not backed by action," she explained. "It’s easy to utter slogans about eradicating poverty or guaranteeing education for every child, but those statements mean little unless we turn them into concrete steps. Many organisations are in need of modest support, and by contributing we send a message that no one is fighting alone – we are many, and together we can make a difference." Through her involvement with Common Goal, Pedersen has witnessed how collective effort can empower communities and channel the passion of the beautiful game toward tangible social impact.
"World Football Giving Day expands that spirit, creating a moment when the entire football family can unite not for victories on the pitch, but for the wellbeing of people off it. I’m proud to stand behind it," she said. Now 34, 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 firsthand how deeply football resonates with local populations. "In both nations I saw how the sport can be a catalyst for hope and cohesion," she reflected. Life can be challenging, and Pedersen believes that moments of joy and peace are essential. Football, she argues, offers many benefits to communities: it promotes health, teaches teamwork, and provides a gathering point for people from all walks of life.
In Ghana, she helped launch a project that blended football sessions with workshops on sexual and reproductive health and rights. "We invited speakers to talk with the girls in a safe environment, turning the pitch into a space where they could learn about vital health issues," she explained. While Pedersen is doing her part, she is frustrated that the sport’s enormous financial power is not being fully harnessed for change. "Football should definitely do more.
We have no excuses," she asserted. "We constantly hear about astronomical player salaries and transfer fees.
Why should those sums keep growing without a portion being redirected to grassroots programmes, climate initiatives, or support 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 travel. "It wasn’t a perfect solution, but it was a start. We invested the money we raised into green‑technology projects, showing that even small steps matter," she said.
Staying optimistic in a world where progress can feel slow is a challenge she openly acknowledges. "I keep up with the news, and sometimes it makes me sad. CO₂ emissions are still rising, even if the curve is flattening a little.
Experts tell me the green transition is inevitable, but the timeline is worrying. Renewable energy may still be years away, while people are already suffering from droughts, floods, and loss of farmland caused by climate change." At Juventus, Pedersen arranged presentations for the entire squad, outlining the climate crisis and suggesting ways they could help. She has done the same with the Danish national team, using every opportunity to raise awareness.
"I try to educate my teammates about the issues, but I also recognise that people can shut down if they feel lectured. Even when I feel like screaming, I try to stay pragmatic and find the most effective way to inspire small changes," she admitted. World Football Giving Day offers exactly that – a simple, focused way for fans, players, and clubs to contribute.
By visiting the official website (www.worldfootballgivingday.org), anyone can donate to one of over a hundred registered charities or devise their own method of giving back, whether locally or globally. In summary, Sofie Junge Pedersen is leveraging her platform, her experience with Common Goal, and her genuine love for football to push the sport toward a more socially responsible future. She urges the football community to seize the opportunity on 26 May, to turn the collective passion for the game into a force for positive change.