- By Dr Sadhana Kala
- Sun, 25 May 2025 10:17 PM (IST)
- Source:JNM
On 05 May 1973, I, a football novice, became a football aficionado. That day, at the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, London, I saw Sunderland, a lowly second-division club, beat Leeds United, the first-division champion and the runner-up in the European Cup Winners' Cup.
Since 1973, only two other clubs, Southampton in 1976 and West Ham United in 1980, have equalled Sunderland's achievement of lifting the FA Cup while playing outside the top tier of English football.
So, on May 25, I and millions of fans across continents celebrate World Football Day, honoring the world’s most beloved sport. While football—called soccer in some parts of the world—has long had unofficial celebrations, tournaments, and fan traditions, the United Nations' official recognition of World Football Day marks a turning point in its cultural and humanitarian significance.
But what makes football deserving of such global reverence? The answer lies not just in the goals scored or trophies won, but in its unique ability to bridge divides, foster peace, and provide a universal language of joy, struggle, and triumph.
Origins of World Football Day
World Football Day was officially declared by the United Nations General Assembly in May 2024, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 1924 Olympic football tournament in Paris. That event marked a watershed moment for the sport: for the first time, national teams from across continents, including Africa and South America, competed on an international stage under equal rules.
Co-sponsored by more than 160 countries, the resolution acknowledged football’s “unique power to bring people together across cultures, nationalities, and ideologies.” It was a nod to the Olympic tournament's historical impact and football’s ever-growing role in modern diplomacy, development, and cultural identity.
A Global Phenomenon
Football is more than just a sport—it’s a global passion. With over 250 million players and billions of fans, it transcends geographic, economic, and linguistic barriers. From the bustling favelas of Brazil to the icy fields of Iceland, from the streets of Dakar to the stadiums of Tokyo, football is played, watched, and cherished.
Its global reach is unparalleled. The FIFA World Cup is the most-watched sporting event, drawing billions of views. Club football leagues such as the English Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and Bundesliga enjoy devoted fan bases in every corner of the globe. Yet the beauty of football lies equally in its grassroots—the schoolyard games, dusty village pitches, and urban street matches that spark dreams and forge communities.
Football as a Force for Good
One of the driving reasons behind the UN’s endorsement of World Football Day is the sport’s unique ability to catalyze positive change.
Peace and Diplomacy
Football has often played a pivotal role in diplomacy. In 1969, a 48-hour ceasefire was agreed upon during the Nigerian Civil War so people could watch Pelé play in Lagos. In 1998, the Iranian and American national teams exchanged flowers and handshakes on the World Cup pitch despite the tense political climate between their nations.
More recently, joint sports initiatives in conflict zones—from the Middle East to the Balkans—have shown that football can open channels for dialogue and reconciliation where diplomacy alone has struggled.
Education and Empowerment
Organizations like FIFA, UEFA, and NGOs such as StreetFootballWorld and Football for Peace use the sport as a tool for education, gender equality, and youth development. Football-based programs have been shown to increase school attendance, reduce crime, and empower girls and young women in traditionally patriarchal societies.
In Afghanistan, for example, creating the national women's football team, though met with resistance, became a symbol of courage and resilience. In refugee camps in Jordan and Uganda, football is helping young people rebuild their sense of purpose and community.
Celebrations Around the World
Various events, from community tournaments and stadium open days to charity matches and cultural exhibitions, marked this year's inaugural World Football Day.
In Rio de Janeiro, the famous Copacabana Beach hosted an all-day festival of street football, samba, and storytelling, bringing together players of all ages and backgrounds. In Johannesburg, a peace match between teams from historically divided communities highlighted the power of sport to heal old wounds.
Meanwhile, public screenings of classic football matches, art installations, and youth clinics attracted thousands in Doha, London, Istanbul, and Seoul. Even the UN headquarters in New York hosted a symbolic five-a-side match on the lawn, featuring ambassadors, UN officials, and youth representatives.
Football legends such as Didier Drogba, Megan Rapinoe, Lionel Messi, and Zinedine Zidane issued heartfelt messages emphasizing unity, equity, and access to sport. “Football teaches us how to win, how to lose, and how to fight for each other,” said Drogba, also a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador. “It is a language that everyone speaks.”
Challenges and Responsibilities
Despite the celebrations, World Football Day also serves as a moment of reflection. The sport’s governing bodies and stakeholders face ongoing challenges that threaten the integrity and inclusiveness of the game.
Corruption and Governance
Scandals in recent years have exposed systemic corruption within football organizations. While reforms are underway, greater transparency and accountability are essential to preserve the public’s trust and ensure that football’s benefits reach all levels of society.
Human Rights and Labor Issues
The construction of mega stadiums for international tournaments has often come at a human cost, particularly in countries where labor protections are weak. Reports of worker exploitation have marred otherwise festive events. FIFA and other bodies must enforce stricter standards and ensure that hosting rights do not come at the expense of fundamental rights.
Inequality in the Game
From unequal pay between male and female players to a lack of infrastructure in low-income communities, football’s wealth gap remains a pressing issue. The growth of the women’s game and expanded youth programs are promising but much remains to be done to create a level playing field.
The Future of Football
Image Credits: Canva
Looking forward, football is poised to continue evolving in exciting ways. Technology advancements, such as AI-assisted officiating and data analytics, are reshaping tactics and training. Virtual reality experiences and streaming platforms are changing how fans engage with the game.
At the same time, the sport’s growing environmental footprint is prompting clubs and federations to explore sustainable practices, from eco-friendly stadiums to green transportation initiatives.
The future of football also lies in the hands of its youngest players—those kicking homemade balls on dusty lots, dreaming of glory not just for themselves, but for their communities. It is in these dreams that the true spirit of World Football Day resides.
Conclusion: More Than a Game
The message is clear as the sun sets on the first official World Football Day: football is more than just a game. It is a mirror of humanity—imperfect yet inspiring, competitive yet unifying, local yet global.
Football remains a rare common ground in a world often divided by politics, religion, and inequality. It invites us to cheer, dream, and connect. It teaches us teamwork, resilience, and passion can move mountains—or at least score impossible goals.
So, whether you're a weekend amateur, a lifelong fan, or someone discovering the sport for the first time, today is a day to celebrate the beautiful game and its beauty in our lives.
Happy World Football Day.
(Disclaimer: The views expressed by the author are her own.)