On the night before the 2023 Women’s World Cup, 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 broader initiative that seeks to amplify the sport’s social impact.
World Football Giving Day is scheduled for May 26 and is designed to mobilise fans, players and clubs to donate to charities worldwide that are suffering from recent funding cuts. High‑profile figures such as Jürgen Klopp, Juan Mata, Dani Olmo, Vivianne Miedema and Pedersen herself have thrown their support behind the campaign. "Football possesses a unique capacity to bring people together," Pedersen told Sky Sports.
"Because it is the most popular sport on the planet, it also carries a responsibility. With millions of followers, we have to do more than just entertain – we must help make the world a better place." Mary Connor, chief executive of the Common Goal charity, also discussed the launch with Sky Sports, highlighting how the initiative fits within a growing movement of footballers who pledge a portion of their earnings to charitable causes. Pedersen, a committed member of Common Goal, has always been at the forefront of such efforts.
"Words can feel hollow if they are not backed by action," she explained. "It’s easy to say we want to eradicate poverty or ensure every child receives an education, but those statements mean little unless we turn them into concrete steps." She continued, "Many organisations are operating on razor‑thin margins and need just a little boost.
When we contribute, we send a message that nobody is fighting alone – we are a collective force." Reflecting on her experience with Common Goal, Pedersen said, "I have witnessed how coordinated action can empower communities and channel the passion we have for the game into genuine social change. World Football Giving Day extends that spirit, creating a single day where the entire football family can rally not for trophies, but for the wellbeing of people beyond the pitch.
I’m proud to stand behind it." Now 34, Pedersen’s track record of charitable involvement is extensive. She has travelled to Zambia to see the impact of her fundraising drives and spent considerable time in Ghana, where she observed first‑hand how deeply football resonates with local populations. "Life can be tough," she noted, "so moments of joy and peace are essential. Football offers so many benefits to a community – it improves health, teaches teamwork and provides a gathering point for people." In Ghana, Pedersen helped launch a project that combined football sessions with workshops on sexual and reproductive health and rights.
"We invited experts to speak with the girls in a safe space, using the sport as a gateway to discuss vital health topics," she said. While Pedersen is doing her part, she expressed frustration that the sport’s enormous financial resources are not being fully leveraged for social good.
"Football should be doing far more. There are no excuses," she asserted. "We hear about astronomical salaries and transfer fees – why let those sums simply keep growing?
A portion could be redirected to grassroots clubs, climate initiatives, or programmes that support 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 in green‑technology projects, turning a cost into a positive environmental impact." Staying optimistic in a world where progress can feel slow is a challenge she acknowledges.
"I keep up with the news and sometimes it’s disheartening. CO₂ emissions are still rising, even if the curve is flattening a bit.
Experts say the green transition will happen, but the timeline is worrying. Renewable energy may still be a ways off, yet climate‑related suffering—droughts, floods, loss of arable land—is already affecting people." At Juventus, Pedersen arranged team‑wide briefings to highlight these issues and suggest concrete actions.
She has done the same with the Danish national team, using every platform she can to raise awareness. "Whenever the chance arises, I talk about the crisis," she said.
She also recognises that a confrontational approach can backfire. "Sometimes people shut down if they feel lectured.
Even though I sometimes feel like screaming because the situation is unacceptable, I try to be pragmatic and find the most effective way to inspire small changes." World Football Giving Day offers exactly that – a simple, tangible way for anyone connected to football to contribute. By visiting the official website (www.worldfootballgivingday.org), supporters can donate to any of the more than one hundred registered non‑profits, or they can devise their own ways to give back locally or globally. Pedersen’s commitment illustrates how a single player can spark broader movement, but she also reminds us that the sport’s true power lies in collective effort. The upcoming men’s World Cup presents another opportunity for the football community to channel its massive reach and resources into meaningful change.
As Pedersen puts it, "We are many, and together we can make a difference." To get involved, head to the World Football Giving Day site, choose a cause, and make a contribution. And for a bit of fun, try the Super 6 competition for a chance to win £250,000 – entry is free.