World Football Day Announced by UN

The United Nations General Assembly has officially declared May 25th as World Football Day, marking the 100th anniversary of the first international football tournament with participation from all regions—the 1924 Paris Olympics. This declaration recognizes football’s global influence in promoting peace, unity, and sustainable development.

Why May 25 Was Chosen as World Football Day

• The date commemorates the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, where football was played on a truly international level for the first time.

• This moment laid the groundwork for the sport’s global growth and universal popularity.

A UN Resolution That Celebrates Unity Through Sport

• The resolution was introduced by Taher M. El-Sonni, Libya’s representative to the UN, under the agenda "Sport for development and peace."

• It was unanimously adopted by all 193 UN member states, highlighting football’s role in building a peaceful and inclusive world.

The Power of Football: More Than Just a Game

• Football Unites People: It’s a sport that transcends borders, cultures, and languages, bringing people together regardless of background.

• A Tool for Peace and Development: Football is used worldwide to promote social inclusion, support youth programs, and empower marginalized communities.

• Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion: Football reflects the world’s cultural richness. World Football Day promotes values of respect, equality, and teamwork.

Football and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The UN sees football as a key platform to promote its Sustainable Development Goals:

• Gender Equality: Encouraging girls and women in sport

• Environmental Awareness: Using football to educate about sustainability

• Education Access: Creating learning opportunities through football-based programs

Honoring Football’s Legacy and Future

• World Football Day not only celebrates today’s game but also honors over a century of football history, from the founding of FIFA in 1904 to modern-day milestones.

• It’s also a call to use the sport to shape a better future.

Final Thoughts

World Football Day is more than a celebration of sport—it's a reminder of football's power to bring the world together. As we mark this occasion each year on May 25, we acknowledge the game's role in promoting peace, unity, and development across borders.

From local communities to global arenas, football inspires hope, equality, and teamwork. It teaches values that go beyond the pitch—respect, inclusion, and resilience. By embracing the universal language of football, we take a step closer to a more harmonious and connected world.

Let’s use this day to reflect, celebrate, and commit to using the sport as a force for positive change.