World Football Day on May 25

• World Football Day is observed every year on May 25. 

• The date was chosen to commemorate the first international football tournament in history with the representation of all regions, which took place on May 25, 1924, during the summer Olympic games held in Paris.

• Football’s scale makes it a uniquely powerful communications platform, reaching audiences across regions, generations and communities.

• Beyond mere recreation, it is a universal language spoken by people of all ages, transcending national, cultural, and socio-economic boundaries. This shared passion fosters a sense of community and national pride.

• The United Nations recognises the powerful voice football carries in the global community and the role it can play in raising awareness of the SDGs through the popularity of the game.

• Football’s broad appeal and accessibility make it a potent tool for promoting health and well-being. 

• It has also served as a vital platform for advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls, both on and off the field.

• The UN also recognises the fundamental role of Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), and the important role of regional and national soccer federations, as well as relevant associations, in promoting the game of football.

• The resolution encourages all countries to support football and other sports as a tool to promote peace, development and the empowerment of women and girls.

• And it also encourages countries to adopt policies and programs to promote football and other sports and physical activities.

• Football serves as a catalyst for social inclusion, fostering unity and breaking down barriers between diverse communities. It provides a space where individuals from various backgrounds converge to promote mutual understanding, tolerance, respect, and solidarity.

Football for the Goals (FFTG) Champions

• Football for the Goals (FFTG) Champions are influential players, coaches and media personalities joining forces with the UN to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

• They use their platforms to inspire action, mobilise communities, and raise awareness on the world’s most pressing challenges, serving as trusted voices for positive change across the global game.

• With the World Cup just days away, 16 greats of the game have been appointed FFTG Champions, using their profiles to raise awareness of the SDGs and advocate for a better future for people and the planet.

• Current and former players and coaches representing the elite of global men and women’s football, took on an informal ambassadorial role to promote sustainability, gender equality, inclusion and human rights.

• They range from league and cup-winning managerial maestro Carlo Ancelotti to Women’s Super League and Serie A winner Eni Aluko, Inter Milan hero Javier Zanetti, and exiled Afghan women’s national team player Khalida Popal.