Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The United Nations has appointed 16 renowned football players and coaches as Football for the Goals (FFTG) Champions to raise awareness about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advocate for sustainability, gender equality, inclusion, and human rights. Notable Champions include Afghan women's national team player Khalida Popal, former Inter Milan and Argentina footballer Javier Zanetti, managerial coach Carlo Ancelotti, and Women’s Super League winner Eni Aluko.
This appointment coincides with World Football Day, observed annually on 25 May to commemorate the centenary of the first international football tournament with global regional representation, held in 1924 during the Summer Olympics in Paris. The UN General Assembly established this day in May 2024 to recognize football's global influence, its role in peace and diplomacy, and fostering cooperation.
According to UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, football's universal popularity and accessibility make it an effective platform to engage audiences worldwide on critical issues such as climate action, health, education, inclusion, and gender equality. The FFTG Champions use their profiles to advance these goals, reinforcing football's positive impact beyond sport.