Players Speaking Up for the Planet

Notes of support from some of the game’s most iconic voices

In a world grappling with climate breakdown, footballers have the power to reach audiences that scientists and policymakers can’t. One climate-literate, articulate player can inspire more action than a generation of climate academics. Yet so far, few in the men’s game have stepped up.

This report sets out to change that. We started by speaking with a few friends in football who care about climate change and wanted to use their voice.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being a footballer who’s proud to share that they care about our planet.

These are just some of the early advocates in the men’s game. We know many others feel the same, and we hope this sparks a bigger conversation, one that helps make it easier for more players to feel confident to speak out. Read more from the players who are speaking up in the Pitches in Peril report, and get we urge other players to get in touch. 

“As someone with roots in both Germany and Ivory Coast, I feel a deep responsibility to create change in both places. But the climate crisis is hitting communities in Abidjan hard—where the Safe-Hub is meant to be a safe space for young people, providing joy and opportunities. The report makes it clear that rising temperatures and extreme weather pose a real threat to kids being able to play safely in the future. That’s why we need to come together to protect Safe-Hub spaces and ensure every child can grow up in a safe and healthy environment.” - Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich & Germany International)

“I’ve always lived by a simple motto: leave the world a better place than you found it. It doesn’t mean I’ll solve every global problem on my own. But if I can make my space a little bit better, and everyone else does the same, then over generations we’ll have a healthier planet and a stronger game.” - Tom Davies (Sheffield United & Former England U21 International)

“Having experienced the journey from academy to professional football, I’ve seen how sport can shape lives and communities. As someone who cares about the planet, I believe we have a responsibility to use football’s global power to protect the game for future generations. I’m proud to be part of this campaign to help make the game more sustainable and inspire others to protect the world we all play in.” - Fejiri Okenabirhie, (Modern Sport, Egypt)

“As someone from Spain, I can’t ignore the reality of the climate crisis. We’re seeing it more clearly than ever, from record-breaking heatwaves to floods like the ones in Valencia. Football has always brought people together, but now it’s also a reminder of what we stand to lose if we don’t act. We all have a role to play in facing this challenge, for our communities today and for future generations.” - Juan Mata (2010 Spanish World Cup winner)

Read more quotes from page 66 in the report itself - Pitches In Peril_Flipbook