FIFA FOUNDATION FESTIVAL 2018 - Streetfootballworld
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July 2018
THE QUARTERLY MAGAZINE OF STREETFOOTBALLWORLD
FIFA COMMON GOAL
FOOTBALLERS JOIN FORCES
FOUNDATION
FOR COMMON GOAL
WORLD CUP CAMPAIGN
p. 20
FESTIVAL IN FOCUS
2018
p. 6
#PLAYPROUD KICKS OFF
DURING THE WORLD CUP
p. 44
MESSI MEETS
INCLUSIVE
FOOTBALL
p. 56
www.streetfootballworld.org
Published by
streetfootballworld gGmbH
Waldenserstr. 2–4
10551 Berlin, Germany – Closing remarks from Vladimir Borkovic,
streetfootballworld Network Director, at the FIFA
Tel: +49 (0) 30 7800 6240 Foundation Festival 2018 –
communications@streetfootballworld.org
www.streetfootballworld.org “We have together enjoyed another spectacular
festival. Let me start by thanking our colleagues and
Editor-in-Chief friends at FIFA for their tireless work and for finding
Elvira González-Vallés a smart strategy to make this festival happen. There
will be more opportunities for gratitude, so let me
Copy Editor focus on YOU!
Nadia Convery
We welcomed at the FIFA Foundation Festival 2018,
Writers here in Moscow, three groups of participants:
Nadia Convery delegation leaders, young leaders and players. You all
Elvira González-Vallés had a particular role during this festival and you ALL
Patrick Cruickshank did a fantastic job – but I did not doubt this ever.
Contributors When I asked my friend Ahmad, one of the young
IMPRINT Mareike Standow leaders, to do something the next day, he responded:
Benjamin Issrof why tomorrow? This reminded me of a famous quote
This work is licensed under the Creative Andrew Wisniewski that perfectly reflects your situation today.
Commons Attribution-Non-commercial- Ana Arizabaleta
Share Alike 4.0 International License. David Lyons You arrived here 10 days ago in a particular position
Martín Lucero but I believe that you are leaving this festival
Attribution – you must attribute the work Rebecca Suhner enriched by experiences that will enable you to
in the manner specified by the author or grow. Trust me, you have the power to step up. For
licensor (but not in any way that suggests Art Editor this, the delegation leaders need to open the path
that they endorse you or your use of the Anne Vogt – for the young leaders to become leaders of the
work). organisations. Like this, the players will take their
Photo Credits place… it is a life cycle that we need to facilitate in
Non-commercial – you may not use this Cover: FIFA; p. 4 (top) FIFA, (bottom) Daniel Didavi; order to refresh our energy and to continue changing
work for commercial purposes. p. 5 (top) FOX Sports, (bottom) Macrina Achieng the world.
Odhiambo; p. 6–19 FIFA; p. 22–25 Tiempo Juego; p.
Share alike – if you alter, transform, or 26–28 KICKFAIR; p. 29 Sportradar; p. 30–35 FedEx We often highlight that with our work we are
build upon this work, you may distribute Express; p. 36–41 Daniel Didavi; p. 42 Palestine: enabling the “NEXT generation”. This excuse stops
the resulting work only under the same or Sports for Life; p. 43 (top) MSIS, (bottom) Alive & here! You are THE generation that will change the
similar license as this one. Kicking; p. 44–47 New York City Football Club; p. world! Players: you are young leaders now! Young
48 FOX Sports; p. 49 streetfootballworld; p. 51–55 leaders: as of today, you are LEADERS.
Street Child United; p. 56–61 Sebastian Gil Miranda;
p. 62–65 Macrina Achieng Odhiambo; p. 66 & 68 In order to emphasize this and let you remember this
Elvira González-Vallés; p. 69 FIFA; 70 & 71 Creative message, let me come back to the aforementioned
Commons; p. 72–75 Rebecca Suhner quote: if not you, WHO? If not now, WHEN?”
3
6 IN
Spotlight
FIFA FOUNDATION FESTIVAL THIS
ISSUE
IN RUSSIA
44
In Focus
NORTH AMERICA &
THE CARIBBEAN
PLAYING PROUD DURING
70
THE WORLD CUP: CAMPAIGN
SUPPORTS INITIATIVE Football4Good in History
CHAMPIONING LGBTQ+ YOUTH
FOOTBALL FORGING
42 EUROPE FRIENDSHIPS:
2006 WORLD CUP
20
THE STREET CHILD WORLD CUP
IN GERMANY
New Network Members LATIN AMERICA
MESSI MEETS GRANJA ANDAR’S
WELCOME TO THE TEAM! INCLUSIVE FOOTBALL TEAM
Common Goal Movement
MEET OUR 3
WORLD CUP NEW NETWORK
30 72
CAMPAIGN MEMBERS
36 62
26
Infrastructure
FEDEX ‘FIELD
IN A BOX™’ In-Depth Interview Stories from the Network C AMBODIA
Partner Highlight PITCHES 60 MINUTES BEFORE CROATIA
MEET ENGLAND IN THE WORLD PLAY STRONG,
SPORTRADAR INAUGURATED IN CUP SEMI-FINAL, WE SIT
DOWN FOR A CHAT WITH
LIVE STRONGER
ZEROS IN ON SOUTH AFRICA MACRINA ACHIENG
AND BRAZIL DANIEL DIDAVI, ODHIAMBO,
MATHARE YOUTH SPORTS
Around the World with Football
FOOTBALL FOR COMMON GOAL ASSOCIATION FROM BERLIN TO
GOOD MEMBER, VFB BATTAMBANG
KICK-OFF OF NEW CSR
STUTTGART AN AMAZING REBECCA SUHNER WRITES TO
PARTNERSHIP TO CONNECT US FROM CAMBODIA, WHERE
STREETFOOTBALLWORLD VISION FOR THE SHE IS VOLUNTEERING WITH
NETWORK MEMBERS AND
GLOBAL SPORTRADAR OFFICES
FUTURE OUR NETWORK MEMBER SALT
ACADEMY
FAIZA SULTANA SYED,
GENERATION AMAZING
4 5
SPOTLIGHT
FIFA Foundation
Festival 2018
6
in Russia 7
SPOTLIGHT
FIFA Foundation Festival 2018
For over 3 billion football lovers all over FIFA FOUNDATION FESTIVAL 2018
PARTICIPATING DELEGATIONS
the world, the FIFA World Cup is, every
four years, a much-anticipated highlight,
where football once again proves itself
as one of the biggest social phenomena
worldwide. The most popular sport on the
planet brings together people from all
walks of life to celebrate and enjoy their
common beloved passion.
In parallel, another “World Cup” has been
taking place; one that we witnessed already
in Germany in 2006, in South Africa in
2010, in Brazil in 2014 and, this year, in AFRICA Indochina Starfish Foundation SEPROJOVEN
Russia. One where boys and girls play
Chiparamba Breakthrough Sports Academy OSCAR Foundation Starfinder Foundation
(CBSA)
Right to Play
Delta Cultura Cabo Verde
SALT Academy
together, where all the participants have the Horn of Africa Development Initiative
(HODI)
Spirit of Soccer SOUTH AMERICA
Asociación Civil Andar
Iringa Development of Youth, Disabled and
same opportunities, where all cultures are
Fundación Colombianitos
Children Care (IDYDC)
Formação – Centro de Apoio à Educação
Kick4Life EUROPE
Básica
celebrated and where, at the end, everyone
Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA) Associação CAIS
Fundação Esportiva Educacional Pro
Moving the Goalposts Kilifi Oltalom Sports Association Criança e Adolescente (EPROCAD)
Single Leg Amputee Sports Association RheinFlanke
wins. This year, the FIFA Foundation Festival
Fundação Gol de letra
(SLASA)
Sport Against Racism Ireland Fundación de las Américas para el
South Eastern District Youth Empowerment Desarollo (FUDELA)
Sport dans la Ville
2018 united over 300 participants from 37
Association (SEDYEA)
Street League Fundación estudio para un hermano
Sport in Action Educere
The Peres Center for Peace
The Africaid Trust - WhizzKids United Instituto Fazer Acontecer (IFA)
countries to celebrate the transformative The GOAL
Youth Empowerment and Development
Tiempo de Juego
NORTH & CENTRAL AMERICA & THE
power of football for good, and bring the
Initiative (YEDI)
CARIBBEAN
OCEANIA
Street Soccer USA
experience back to their communities.
Football Federation of American Samoa
ASIA & MIDDLE EAST America SCORES
(FFAS)
Dream A Dream Fútbol Más (HQ = Chile) Football United
Football for All in Vietnam Organización Juvenil RECREARTE
Fundlife International Sacred Sports Foundation Inc.
8 9
SPOTLIGHT
FIFA Foundation Festival 2018
192
EQUALITY, TEAMWORK
AND FAIR PLAY: THE MOTTO
OF THE FIFA FOUNDATION
FESTIVAL 2018
37
COUNTRIES
48
DELEGATIONS
57
YOUNG LEADERS PLAYERS PARTICIPANTS
The FIFA Foundation Festival 2018 brought women, including: two girls and two boys between
together 48 delegations from community-based, the ages of 15 and 18, one young leader aged
11
development-oriented organisations that use between 18 and 30, and one head of delegation.
football as a tool for social DAYS OF JOY
63
development. YOUNG LEADERS’ SKILLS
Taking place in Olympiets Park DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Hotel, a sports complex built The Festival kicked off with
in 1980 before the Olympic the Young Leaders’ Skills
12
Games in Moscow, the festival Development Programme:
gathered over 300 participants A three-day journey that FOOTBALL3 MATCHES RUSSIAN MASTER CLASSES
160
from 37 countries for a journey involved only the young
of football for good, cultural leaders from each delegation
exchange and personal and allowed them to engage
24
development. in exchange, gain skills and
Equality, teamwork and prepare the implementation GOALS SCORED CULTURAL PERFORMANCES
fair play became the motto of the festival. This group
672
of the festival, which united of 57 young leaders landed
participants on and off the in Moscow ahead of their
pitch over 11 days full of delegations and embarked
48
exhilaration and learning upon a mission marked by
opportunities. the three following objectives: FOOTBALL4GOOD WORKSHOPS
acquire new skills to support
FAIR PLAY POINTS
“Football is much more the development of their
projects and their role as
than a game. It is a
community leaders, provide a
fantastic tool to contribute platform for young leaders to
to making our world network, share their projects
become a better place. The and exchange knowledge
in the future, and become
FIFA Foundation Festival
prepared to be part of the implementing team of
was a unique showcase of the commitment, the festival. of participants to mingle, engage in exchange and 150 Matrioshka dolls were painted by participants,
experience and amazing work that the The Young Leaders’ Skills Development strengthen their relations. Among the greatest and 24 football3 training sessions took place, to
NGOs we support around the world are programme included three main components. The highlights: the boat tour and the excursion to the name but a few of the activities.
first day focused on introducing young leaders to FIFA Fan Fest in the centre of Moscow! The cultural exchange programme for
doing through football.”
the football3 methodology and training them as delegations proceeded into the evenings, when
mediators. The second day was implemented in CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMME FOR DELEGATIONS participants were able to experience elaborately
Federico Addiechi,
collaboration with Impact International and included On 26th June, 48 delegations landed in Moscow staged performances of traditional and modern
FIFA Head of Sustainability & Diversity
workshops on the areas of personal development, to take part in what many of the participants Russian dance, freestyle football shows and
mediation, mentoring and communication for social described as “some of the best days of their dancing opportunities to the pulsating beats of
The festival provided an opportunity for a wide change. The third day of the Young Leaders’ Skills lives”. The programme for delegations included a the official World Cup anthem ‘Live it Up’!
group of participants, from young players to Development Programme consolidated all of the number of activities to enable exchange between One of the highlights of the programme were
young leaders to senior representatives from the lessons learned and skills gained into a training-of- participants, allow them to gain knowledge on the evenings set aside for Cultural Performances,
organisations, to exchange at many levels and trainers journey where the young leaders prepared the field of football for good, become immersed during which 26 delegations from all corners of
experience the power of football for good. themselves to support the implementation of the in Russian culture and, of course, play football. the world performed traditional dances from their
Gender equality was one of the corner stones festival over the next seven days. During the cultural exchange programme, over home countries, sang or created football-based
of the festival. Delegations attending the event The programme for young leaders included a 40 football for good workshop sessions were performances related to the World Cup.
were comprised of the same number of men and number of other activities that enabled this group implemented by delegation leaders, more than
10 11
SPOTLIGHT
FIFA Foundation Festival 2018
FOOTBALL3 TOURNAMENT
The spotlight of the festival was the football3 The final of the tournament was to be an
tournament, which illustrated, one more time, encounter between the teams Electico Lomeea and
the uniting power of football. The tournament Kid FC, who were met and greeted by FIFA Legends
included 24 mixed-gender teams of eight players, Roberto Carlos da Silva, Stipe Pletikosa and Dimitry
always with the same number of boys and girls, Sennikov. However, a thunderstorm interrupted the
and members of four different delegations, hailing proceedings and participants had to leave before
from four different countries and, very often, concluding the tournament final. The end of the
four different continents. The teams were formed day was marked by the rain but also by the energy
based on a set of criteria to promote cultural and passion of 300 participants who were dancing
exchange, enable communication and foster equal and singing while evacuating the venue.
participation. The final of the tournament was then played
The tournament was played using the at Olympiets on 2nd July. This time with the sun
football3 methodology, with a focus on fair play, shining, the final was yet another exhibition of fair
equality and teamwork. football3 is played without
play and football at its best. The winning team was
referees and in a game of ‘three halves’. During
Electico Lomeea, a team that included players from
the first half, participants come together to agree
the delegations of Sport Against Racism Ireland
on their own rules, promoting fair play and equal
(Ireland), Single Leg Amputee Soccer Association
participation; in the second half, the players
(Sierra Leone), Tiempo de Juego (Colombia) and
take to the pitch for the match and solve their
America SCORES (USA). Upon the final whistle of
disagreements with the support of mediators; for
the game, all of the festival participants charged
the third half, the teams meet to discuss how fair
onto the pitch to dance for over one hour to
they felt the game was and give each other fair play
points. These fair play points and the match points celebrate a thrilling match.
for goals scored are added up to determine the
final result. ATTENDING THE RUSSIA FIFA WORLD CUP 2018
The first day of the tournament took place One of the most exciting moments of the festival
at Olympiets, the festival venue. A very special took place on the 1st of July, when participants had
location was chosen for the following tournament the chance to visit some of the most emblematic
day: Red Square, the most emblematic site in places in Moscow in the morning and attend the
central Moscow. With high media attendance and Russia-Spain match during the Round of 16. It
a number of activities for all of the delegations, the was a truly unforgettable moment for the 300+
Red Square was the scene of 15 matches, where the participants who experienced the contagious
participants played against the stunning backdrop energy at the stadium and celebrated the
of Saint Basil Cathedral, the Kremlin and the State historical Russian triumph with the other 80,000
Historical Museum. spectators witnessing the game.
12 13
SPOTLIGHT
FIFA Foundation Festival 2018
YOUNG LEADERS’ MEMORIES
Thrilling encounters on the pitch, a trip to Luzhniki stadium to watch the Spain vs. Russia World Cup
match, the football3 tournament on Moscow’s Red Square, exploring previously unfamiliar cultures
through performances and workshops, a boat trip through the heart of Russia’s capital, the dinner
gatherings, impromptu dance sessions…the list goes on. Choosing a single highlight from over 240
hours of football for good at the FIFA Foundation Festival 2018 is a near impossible task. But no task
is too great for the wonderful participants who attended. Over the following pages, 11 of the 57
young leaders share their experiences and let us in on the magic…
23
inspiring young leaders who leaders coordinators team,
brought an electric energy and learned about football3 and the
painted Olympiets in new colours responsibility that we would have
allowed me to see it in a whole during the festival.
new light. Olympiets became At the end of the day,
home and, very quickly, I too was we were surprised with a big
June among the ‘overexcited’, loudly welcome party, a freestyle
cheering and celebrating the true demonstration and a
SANA, power of football! speedfriendship activity for us
24
RIGHT TO PLAY, to get even more involved and
PAKISTAN united.
I experienced this first day
After a two-hour as a beginning of a journey, but
drive from the I didn’t even imagine the impact
airport, I along with a few other that this festival had and will
young leaders, finally reached have in my life.
25
Olympiets hotel. As we pulled
up in front of this sweeping set June
of enormous buildings in the
middle of the woods, I wondered NUNO,
what the next ten days here CAIS,
would bring... PORTUGAL
Welcomed enthusiastically
by staff and volunteers in black So many emotions
T-shirts, I remember thinking in just one day! It June
to myself, ‘Why is everyone so was the first official day of the
overexcited?’ But over the course FIFA Foundation Festival 2018. JOAN,
of a few hours, I had had good Like all first days, it was full of SPORT IN ACTION,
conversations with amazing adaptations to a different context ZAMBIA
people from across the world, and people. I felt overwhelmed
and I was already beginning to but, as we were introduced to The festival taught
understand why… the festival team coordinators, I me a life-time
At our informal opening started to lose my shyness and lesson as a young leader…
ceremony in the evening, I get involved in knowing different I have to be a role model to
realized there were people from people, cultures and ideas, and myself before I can become a
38 countries in the room – some the level of exciting and good leader to others. On the 25th of
having travelled 20 plus hours vibe rising through the day. June, we attended a number of
to get to Moscow! But, most We went through the workshops, focusing on personal
interestingly, I noticed how festival games and got to know development, mentoring and
everyone was gelling together; each other and become more mediation, and Communication
‘blacks’ and ‘whites’, Muslims involved in the spirit of the for Social Change. The
and non-Muslims - people from festival. I was amazed to see how importance of mentoring
diverse backgrounds all on different perspectives can turn upholds not just values, or
one playing field with powerful into a unique goal: making this passing on information to the
stories to share. From that festival the best one! next generation, but it shapes
moment on, the festivities were We prepared for our role as new minds, brings new ideas,
officially underway, and these mediators with the best young inspires, motivates and builds
14 15
SPOTLIGHT
FIFA Foundation Festival 2018
confidence in a way that the involved the implementation of should do, but even so, that pain the games played and the new experiences, the beginning presented by the different
impact provides a platform that Festival games and football3. appeared in the stomach, which culture of, for example, the was greatly marked by nerves, delegations amidst thousands
drives change towards inclusion Whilst having fun and plenty of translates into nervousness when Vietnamese delegation. Later although I felt prepared in many of claps, colours and different
and sustainability. laughter, I had opportunities you want everything to go well. on, experiencing the Russian aspects my lack of training forms of celebration that
Among other topics, to learn through open The groups arrived, the leaders cultural activities was fun, we in other languages became introduced us to other customs
we had the opportunity to communication with my peers supported us in the activities. had the chance to paint and obvious; the first half was and the opportunity to show
better understand our role to allocate roles and collaborate During the development, I had build little Russian trinkets. Arts governed by several languages, a bit of our own country. A
as mediators. Working with in pairs and groups. At the same goose bumps, surprised to & crafts was something I haven’t a discussion on the rules of the very emotional moment was
other great young leaders from time, having observed and see how physical differences taken part in for years! After game, the vital importance of to receive a handkerchief from
different backgrounds from all documented from the activities were not an impediment to going through all the cultural fair play and the objective of that Cambodia after knowing its
over the world helped me learn, implemented by peers, participating, as despite being workshops we had a night of moment; the second half was meaning in a performance
share expertise and experience. aware of these difference, they cultural dances performed by dominated by a single language, presented by this delegation.
30
The last workshop of the day just supported their partners, the delegations. Watching all the that of the court; the third half
brought up the importance of I was aware of and there was an inexplicable dances & performances made me was not easy, but in the end the
communication at different levels energy felt in those courts. realize that, although we are all fair play was lived out and the
for social change in behaviour, the self-improvement Time to teach the different and we all come from teams knew that they were both
attitudes and sustainability.
The boat excursion was
in confidence, methodology of football3, an
instance where we transmit
different backgrounds, when it
comes to music, dancing and
winners.
The one that was definitely
awesome, relaxing and getting flexibility, knowledge, energy and simply having a good time, that’s my best experience in the whole
social on a personal level with motivation to each young person. something we all share no matter festival was the second match
other young leaders. organisation, and In conclusion, a day consisting what the language or the culture I mediated with a fellow young June
The excursion to the Fan of apprenticeships, joys and are. Instruments and music bring leader.
Fest was amazing; it was great to mediation for teamwork, which ended with a us together no matter what. I’m ESTHER,
see how football brings people great surprise... super grateful for this experience MOVING THE
28
together, cheering in unison. upcoming activities. & want to sincerely thank the We felt sure of GOALPOSTS,
26
FIFA Foundation for giving me KENYA
I hoped that through my & my organisation this life- ourselves and had a
experience and passion, I would
be able to make a positive impact
changing experience. I’ll never
forget the fun I had in Russia.
sense of clear purpose Let me express my
gratitude to streetfootballworld,
29
on the young players in the next - that the players FIFA and all the participating
few days. I looked forward to teams for making the day
seeing them achieve the best enjoy themselves and successful. It was a day with
possible outcomes from the June unpredictable weather that kept
June festival and enjoy their once-in-a- have an enriching on changing.
lifetime journey. ABDUL, I awaited the day with joy
27
HIEU, STARFINDER experience on and off and eager to see the players
FOOTBALL FOR ALL FOUNDATION, playing on the special field on
IN VIETNAM, USA June the court. the Red Square in Moscow.
VIETNAM Holeeeeo! Holeeeeo! Holeeee!
Two days after CHARLIE, The shouts of celebration Holeeee! Was the celebration
The day has the delegations arrived, on FUDELA, overrode the competition, the and energizing song for the day
come. The wait was now finally 28th of June, everyone was ECUADOR essence of win-win could be felt as 24 teams waited to play.
over. Tuesday the 26th of June getting to know each other. The by the two teams that took the I was energetic and
marked the final day of the June atmosphere was welcoming That day was goal of the festival to another ready to mediate, as many
Young Leaders’ Skills Training & I felt like everyone was very one of the most level. Each goal was celebrated people from all over the world
Programme which exhibited NICOLE, open to meet new people. At anticipated. Young leaders from with great joy (by both sides), had surrounded the field not
my excitements getting ready EDUCERE, the delegation lounge, some various parts of the world met the points were delivered with forgetting the media people
for the FIFA Foundation CHILE kids were lining up to play FIFA a few days before to strengthen the greatest enthusiasm and, who also wanted to test the
Festival 2018 and welcoming while others were mingling in ourselves in the methodology in the end, all embraced with a feeling of the football3 matches.
the delegations from 48 The big day the lounge. I was floating around of football3, to then replicate to feeling of familiarity that football The strong tool of football
participating organisations at arrived, the talking to different people the members of our delegations gives us. In the middle of all the took its course with football3
Olympiets. It was also the right delegations were complete and networking, enjoying my time. and act as mediators in the celebration, a player picked me matches including both female
opportunity for me as a young eager to start this magnificent The 28th was a day where games. That day began with up and told everyone (including and male players of different
leader to put the skills I had event. I, expectant to see the delegations were rotating great euphoria, guests, sports, the other team) “all of you: my abilities and, to onlookers, such
learned over the last two days reaction of young people and between football for good music, and all the ingredients to brothers”. differences were not obvious.
from the training programme ready to put into action what workshops and Russian start the heart of the festival: the To culminate, the Jordanian This was because the
and relevant experiences from I learned days before. For the cultural activities. It was super football3 tournament. curtain rose, opening the door one week induction period
my organisation, FFAV, into games of the festival, we had interesting going through the The first match that I to different cultures on stage, had made them brothers and
practice on the pitch which clear every detail and what we different workshops & learning mediated was full of so many the stories, customs and art sisters.
16 17
SPOTLIGHT
FIFA Foundation Festival 2018
Heavy clouds of tension style buildings. If you doubt its participants jived, jumped and
and emotions covered most of hugeness, you should also check leaped to the Official World Cup
the players who were hoping to out the size of the avenues and theme song ‘Live it Up’ – what an
win the matches. Players and have a walk around the business atmosphere and moment to be
some delegation leaders from centre skyscrapers. part of!
losing teams wept creating an
uneasy moment for me and my Match attendance
colleagues during the post-match From the beginning, everybody The rollercoaster of
discussion. Thanks to the power was over the moon thinking
of football3, the tension was about sharing this moment and emotions poured from
neutralized.
The robot goalkeeper, the
ready to have a blast!
When I entered the
the young participants
winter experience zone, other stadium, it made my toes curl. as the day was coming
organised games and meeting Just imagine more than 78000
FIFA Legend Roberto Carlos people (most of them from the to a close, seeing 200
kept my momentum of the day. host country!) ready to set the
Have you ever seen a strong stadium on fire, unforgettable! participants from
football-stimulated group? You During the game, I took
couldn’t miss it when energetic a short moment to have a look around the world
football players and their around me... and the proof was
delegation leaders were in the here, football is magic! That form such a strong
rain singing the song of the day
as they watched the final match
twinkle in everybody’s eyes,
smiles, hugs, support, the wave...
friendship within a
of the teams Electico Lomeea One of the Russian stewards was week was powerful.
and Kid FC. Much appreciation even praying! That moment will
to the organisers for providing be etched on my mind forever,
raincoats, but they were not thank you! This was also apparent during
2
enough to withhold the heavy the medal ceremony to officially
“The FIFA Foundation Festival was an unforgettable event
rain drops and meant that the conclude the festival, the
programme of the day had to be clapping, whistling and cheering hosting a remarkable group of young people who are
postponed. echoed through the field as each committed to changing their communities for the good. It
1 3
delegation received their medal. was a privilege to meet them and be able to offer them
48 organisations from
an opportunity to further develop their skills.”
38 countries all with one goal.
What an honour it is to share the
July ‘common goal’ with everyone:
Irina Schlossarek-Dhowtalut, FIFA Foundation Community Programme Manager
Football for social change.
NATASHA,
FOOTBALL UNITED,
July AUSTRALIA July
AMANDINE, The joyous MUNA, saying goodbye to everyone and
SPORT DANS LA atmosphere of GENERATION returning back to our homes.
VILLE, FIFA foundation Festival was AMAZING, At that time I really didn’t want
FRANCE summed up on the final day NEPAL to leave all of those beautiful
through ‘football’, ‘dancing’ and and sweet people. We became
I didn’t expect ‘friendship’. I was really glad a family and all of those people
Moscow to be so dynamic and The gathering of all to participate in the festival as mean a lot to me. But I had to
colourful. As colourful as its participants to cheer on the a young leader. That was really return. Now I am sharing the
Cathedral Basile le Bien Heureux two teams taking part in the a very good opportunity for lessons about fairness and
which you might take as a sky football3 final at Olympiets Hotel me to develop my leadership honesty with my team. Though
drawing at first sight, but don’t set the tone for the remainder skills and confidence level. I I am not a good player I can say
be fooled, it is real! Everything of the day. It was incredible was feeling tired but more than with certainty now that I became
was impressive, the Cathedral to watch players of all abilities that I enjoyed the festival and a good leader and I am leading
Chris the Saviour, the Red from multiple countries being learned about the use of football a girls’ football team as well as
Square, Bolshoi theatre... represented during the match as to change the world. After the kids’ football team. And, as I
In the past, Moscow was well as celebrating as one, after festival my leadership skills and had wished, I became a source
already thinking on a large goals were scored. The dancing confidence level have increased. of inspiration for all of those
scale as shown by the Stalinist fever spread as all festival On the 3rd of July we were children.
18 19Since launching in August of 2017, primarily as made the campaign worthwhile.
an initiative for those directly involved in the While the aim was to reach as many people as
professional game, Common Goal has been facing possible online, Common Goal also wanted to
calls from fans who wanted to join their favourite increase its engagement on the ground and
players, and also take part in the movement. With spread awareness by having in-person events.
this in mind, what better time to bring the fans on Having been awarded the WeWork Nonprofit
board than during the largest footballing festival Creators Award earlier this year, WeWork and
in the world. For Common Goal, however, it was Common Goal began working on a plan in which
also important to give everyone an opportunity Common Goal would be the official charity partner
to participate, regardless of location. So, the team for WeWork’s World Cup events. Together, they
took the campaign to Facebook, working with the hosted dozens of events in major cities across the
site and a number of players to host fundraisers globe based around a World Cup game for each
on the platform throughout the World Cup. Each city. Each gathering was a chance for the Common
week, a player, or sometimes a group of players, Goal team to inform the audience about Common
invited fans to join their team by donating and Goal, collect donations, and, of course, watch
raising money for the issues that they were most some football!
passionate about. Below you can find the full list Over the course of the tournament, thanks
COMMON GOAL MOVEMENT of Common Goal players that participated and the to the fantastic support received from all over the
World Cup
causes they supported: world, Common Goal raised over €94,000, all of
which will go directly to the network of football
William Troost-Ekong – Quality Education for good organisations tackling the world’s
Juan Mata – Gender Equality toughest social problems. Coming less than a year
Giorgio Chiellini – Social Inclusion after its launch, the World Cup was an important
Vero Boquete– Gender Equality milestone for Common Goal. It is one of many
Campaign
Heather O’Reilly – Equality more to work towards achieving throughout the
Siobhan Chamberlain – Quality Education rest of the year. Despite launching with a focus
Megan Rapinoe – LGBQT+ Youth on players and managers, Common Goal’s long-
term vision is to unlock 1% of the entire football
The efforts weren’t limited to these seven players. industry’s revenues – conservatively estimated
Even those who didn’t host fundraisers directly at $30 billion per year – to benefit football for
got in on the action, spreading the word across good organisations, those that use the game to
their social media channels and inviting their own strengthen their communities.
fans to get involved. Nor were they alone in this With the launch of the brand new website
effort – Common Goal football media partners (www.common-goal.org), supporters, businesses,
The World Cup is not only one of the biggest moments such as OneFootball and ForzaFootball also played organisations and clubs are all invited to take the
their part, spreading the word within their mobile same pledge as the players and officially become
in sports, but one of the biggest events in the world. apps to help reach audiences that may not have part of the team. Every pledge, no matter how
otherwise heard of Common Goal. Not to mention large or small, represents another step towards
In 2014, more than three billion people watched the the countless other brands, influencers, and uniting the entire football community in tackling
journalists that all helped to further amplify the the toughest social challenges in the world today.
tournament and one billion tuned in for the final match. reach of the campaign. Most of all, however, it was With more exciting players in the pipeline, there’s
the participation of the many fans from all over the never been a better time to take the pledge and
Worldwide, the football community has only grown, and world, who joined the players, raised the funds and join the Common Goal team.
pre-tournament projections for this year’s competition
forecast almost half the world’s population tuning in. COMMON GOAL MEMBERS
With this being the first World Cup since Common Goal TEAM UP TO RAISE OVER €94,000 !
launched last August, it was undoubtedly an unmissable
opportunity to spread the message of using football
as a tool for social good. Ultimately, with the help of a
Siobhan Chamberlain
William Troost-Ekong
number of partners, that is exactly how it panned out,
Heather O’Reilly
Giorgio Chiellini
Megan Rapinoe
Vero Boquete
and Common Goal made a strong showing in its debut
Juan Mata
World Cup!
20 21COMMON GOAL MOVEMENT
World Cup Campaign
IT’S BEEN FANTASTIC TO SEE WHAT
THE ORGANISATION THAT WE ARE
COLLABORATING WITH THROUGH COMMON
GOAL IS DOING. I’VE ALWAYS BEEN KEEN
TO VISIT COLOMBIA, AND NOW TO SEE ALL
THESE CHILDREN THAT ARE IMPROVING
THEIR LIVES THANKS TO FOOTBALL IS VERY
GRATIFYING.
Juan Mata
Juan Mata scored yet another Goal: He visited
Colombia from the 18th to the 20th of June to spend
time with Tiempo de Juego and see first-hand the
programme he is investing into that fosters female
Juan Mata
empowerment through football and is also helping to
mobilise the country towards its own ‘common goal’,
visits
of building peace through the power of the sport.
Colombia has a rich football for good eco- Juego and its programme to promote women’s
Colombia as
system: Several organisations and social empowerment through football. The visit got off
enterprises in the country have put football at to a perhaps unexpected start: in a bakery, one
their core and understand it as a key catalyst to of several local enterprises powered by Tiempo
achieving the pursued peace in the country. They de Juego in the search of sustainability and new
have worked together and attracted the attention productive lives for the young adults they work
part of
of both national and local governments as well with. The group also visited the T-shirt lab –
as the private sector, which have consequently Pongale Color - that not only provides Tiempo de
invested into the system. Together, they have Juego’s participants with uniforms, but also many
begun strategising around the idea of attaining of the children from football for good projects
the country’s ‘common goal’: Building peace across the country. There is also a computer lab
Common Goal
through football. where children learn basic computer skills and
Juan’s visit to the country was much more have internet access. They ended the first part
than the endless list of incredible things he was of the visit at Labzuca, a media enterprise where
able to do in only a few days. In sum, it also left the Juan and Jürgen were asked to record the chorus
country with many stakeholders aligned around of a song that young adults from Tiempo de Juego
World Cup
this idea and committed to next steps in order to composed to support their organisation at the FIFA
achieve it. Foundation Festival in Russia. They may not have
On the first day of his visit, Juan, his girlfriend hit all of the high notes, but the enthusiasm of both
Evelina Kamph and co-founder of Common Goal, amateur singers more than made up for it.
Jürgen Griesbeck, joined Tiempo de Juego’s staff to “It’s been fantastic to see what the
Campaign
visit their programmes in Cazuca, a neighbourhood organisation that we are collaborating with through
on the outskirts of Bogotá. With his donation to Common Goal is doing. I’ve always been keen to
Common Goal, the Manchester United Midfielder visit Colombia, and now to see all these children
chose Colombia as one of the places he wished to that are improving their lives thanks to football
support. He also stated that he wished to support is very gratifying,” Juan enthused. “To come here
streetfootballworld network member Tiempo de allows me to know that there are people working
22 23COMMON GOAL MOVEMENT
World Cup Campaign
and caring for these communities, because there are Juan’s charasmatic personality struck the
many things in this world that we need to improve. Colombian team the most when he said he would
It is necessary that we share the high revenues of sign the T-shirt of each one of the hundreds of
the football industry with people that really need it, children on the pitch, which he then proceeded
because they see in sport a way to achieve incredible to do! One by one. On the second day of his visit,
social transformations,” he added. Juan and Jürgen participated in a workshop with
Juan, Evelina and Jürgen were signed as new opinion leaders and media representatives with
Tiempo de Juego team members and had time to the objective of aligning forces and having them
have lunch prepared by mothers of children who commit to the Common Goal idea. Attendees
attend the organisation’s programmes and wanted worked together and came up with tangible next
to give back for the opportunities their children steps to support the movement’s growth in the
receive through the sessions designed to teach country both by inviting players and the industry
them values and life skills using football as a tool. in general to join, as well as telling stories around
Esteban Reyes, Director of Tiempo de Juego, what is being achieved in the country thanks to
said: “We are impressed by Juan’s personality, his Common Goal’s investments.
ability to understand our work and the way he has Jürgen, co-founder of Common Goal, shared
interacted with the children in Cazuca.” with the group that, “the impact of Juan’s visit
The second part of the visit took place at to Colombia will continue to grow over the
the Tibanica field, where Juan jumped onto the coming days. I am sure it will help to catalyze the
pitch and played with Cazuca’s children and then interaction of the stakeholders needed to build on
listened carefully to their life stories and how the idea of sharing a Colombian ‘Common Goal’,
Tiempo de Juego has offered them an alternative to that aligns with our global idea, at the same time as
dangerous, violent lives. helping Colombia advance in achieving peace.”
24 25PARTNER HIGHLIGHT:
SPORTRADAR
26 27PARTNER HIGHLIGHT
Sportradar
collaboratively designed the new, global CSR a mixture of exchange and experience. Next to
programme, in which Sportradar has pledged to understanding the KICKFAIR concept and impact
engage its employees around the world and connect in theory, KICKFAIR Youth Leaders introduced the
them with streetfootballworld’s local network football3 methodology to the Sportradar employees.
members – organisations across the globe that use “It was fun working with Sportradar and I
the beautiful game to affect social change each and guess we brought across what role football3 can
every day. Creating new perspectives lies at the play and how we use it to foster the development
heart of these exchanges, of young people on and
where professionals meet off the field.” said Salim,
young people from their former participant and
neighbourhoods to gain “IT WAS FUN WORKING WITH SPORTRADAR AND I GUESS today a KICKFAIR Youth
a new understanding WE BROUGHT ACROSS WHAT ROLE FOOTBALL3 CAN PLAY Leader. After lunch, it
of their cities and AND HOW WE USE IT TO FOSTER THE DEVELOPMENT OF was more about thinking
communities as well as YOUNG PEOPLE ON AND OFF THE FIELD.” than kicking when the
about how football can be Salim, KICKFAIR Youth Leader employees sat down
and already is used as a with KICKFAIR to develop
force for good. collaboration ideas
During the first year of the partnership, the for the Munich office. “We have been working on
CSR programme will be rolled out in three initial different ideas how to collaborate. Currently we are
locations – Munich, Minneapolis and Montevideo putting this into concrete formats that we will realise
– where local Sportradar employees can team up in the coming months,” said Ferdinand Keidler,
SPORTRADAR ZEROS IN ON
with community organisations belonging to the Project Manager for Querpass Zukunft and KICKFAIR
streetfootballworld network (KICKFAIR in Germany, in Munich.
Asociación Civil Gurises Unidos in Uruguay Steffen Loew, Sportradar’s HR Manager at
FOOTBALL FOR GOOD
and Sanneh Foundation in the United States). the company’s Munich office reciprocated: “It was
Sportradar’s staff members will be introduced to a great event and we finally got to know KICKFAIR
the field of football for good by receiving training better and the concept of football3 and their very
sessions in the ‘football3’ methodology, giving kind staff. Having the opportunity to educate
them a taste of this unique version of the game, and influence the development of teens is very
which places a particular emphasis on cooperation, impressive and it makes me proud that Sportradar
On 2nd May 2018, Sportradar and streetfootballworld fair play and team building. is willing to put a lot of effort and time into it to
make it happen.”
embarked upon their new CSR partnership. The two KICK-OFF WITH KICKFAIR streetfootballworld and Sportradar are
On 24th May, our network member organisation looking forward to two more workshops this year
organisations are teaming up to use the power of KICKFAIR invited Sportradar staff from the Munich and to continuing and expanding this exciting
office to experience the power of football first- partnership over the coming years. By leveraging
football to bring young people and Sportradar’s hand. In Munich Milbertshofen, 10 employees the two partners’ expertise and passion for
met representatives from streetfootballworld football, we hope to spread the word about football
employees together, creating an environment of and KICKFAIR to learn more about how both for good programmes, reaching professionals and
organisations use football to empower young young people alike to facilitate understanding and
learning and exchange. The underlying drivers of this people locally and globally. The kick-off day was collaboration in communities worldwide.
partnership are Sportradar’s and streetfootballworld’s
shared passion for sport and the two organisations’
global reach – aspects that are key to this new,
innovative collaboration.
ABOUT Sportradar is a global leader in
understanding and leveraging the power
SPORTRADAR of sports data and digital content for
Announcing the new partnership to the public, worldwide. Leveraging our in-house technology, its clients around the world. Sportradar
Sportradar’s CEO Carsten Koerl stated: “Sportradar expertise and enthusiasm to make a real impact provides cutting-edge solutions and
has had the chance to support a range of on both local and global levels is something that services to media companies, bookmakers,
charities and initiatives in previous years, but I am really inspires me and I know will be embraced by sports federations and state authorities.
particularly excited about this new collaboration our employees, who have already shown a desire to It is a truly international organisation,
with streetfootballworld because its global network help and give back time and time again.” employing over 2,000 people in more than
reflects our own global network of over 30 offices streetfootballworld and Sportradar 30 locations around the world.
28 29FEDEX EXPRESS DELIVERS FIELD IN A BOX™ TO COMMUNITIES
IN SOUTH AFRICA & BRAZIL
Since teaming up in 2016 to deliver the first
game-changing Field in a Box™, FedEx Express, the UEFA
Foundation for Children and streetfootballworld have
been busy rolling out the turf in a number of locations
worldwide to ensure that local children and youth
have a safe space to play.
As Main Sponsor of the UEFA Europa League, this journey and soon announcing the location of
FedEx Express (a subsidiary of FedEx Corp) joined the next pitch,” said Urs Kluser, General Secretary
forces with the UEFA Foundation for Children and of the UEFA Foundation for Children.
streetfootballworld in a bid to use its engagement Following the inauguration of the first Field
in professional football to connect young people to in a Box™ in Cañada Real Galiana in Madrid, Spain,
new possibilities through the game. and its subsequent positive impact on the local
“Field in a Box™ is part of our ambition community and beyond, the three organisations
to invest over $ 200 million in more than 200 set about expanding the programme to reach
community projects by 2020,” said Bert Nappier, further communities across the world. With its
President of FedEx Express in Europe and CEO of global network of football for good organisations,
TNT, referring to FedEx Cares, a broader pledge streetfootballworld was able to identify regions
by FedEx Express under which the programme is most in need and designate local organisations
being funded. as implementation partners with on-the-ground
Through the Field in a Box™ project easy- expertise to facilitate the installation of the pitch
to-install, artificial-turf sports fields are delivered and its later use by the community.
to underserved communities to provide children Only a few months after celebrating the first
and youth with ripe ground for the development anniversary of the Field in a Box™ near the Spanish
keeping the
of life skills. These pitches serve as hubs where capital, the next pitch arrived in Mrągowo,
football for good projects can be implemented north-eastern Poland. (Read more about the
often on the basis of streetfootballworld’s football3 inaugural event in FOOTBALL4GOOD magazine,
methodology. Since the beginning of the CSR Issue 4, November 2017).
initiative, communities in four different locations
worldwide have received Field in a Box™ pitches – A SUCCESSFUL FIRST HALF:
turf rolling
with one more scheduled for later this year. TWO FIELD IN A BOX™ PITCHES DELIVERED
“It has been a pleasure to see the expansion In 2018, the Field in a Box™ programme has
of Field in a Box™ on a global scale beyond the stepped up the pace with two deliveries already in
borders of Europe. So far this year, the initiative the initial six months of the year. The initiative also
has reached underserved communities in South quite literally went further afield with the opening
Africa and Brazil. We look forward to continuing of the first pitches beyond the European continent.
30 31INFRASTRUCTURE
FedEx Express Delivers Field in a Box™
DELIVERY #1/2018: DELIVERY #2/2018:
South Africa Brazil
Just two months later, the next Field in a Box™ arrived of the global non-profit, Drew Chafetz commented
in a community in Brazil, taking the programme to that: “We are inspired by our friends in Rio Doce and
a third continent. At the opening ceremony on 26th proud to contribute our community-driven approach
June 2018, some 200 locals from Rio Doce, Olinda in to this collaboration with FedEx Express, UEFA
Pernambuco gathered to celebrate their new pitch. Foundation for Children and streetfootballworld.
On 16th April, the Field in a Box™ programme sustainable use of the field in the local community. Amongst others, they were joined by members of All communities have the power to be agents of
was officially launched in Philippi, a low-income “This initiative will uplift the community local authorities, media outlets and a very special their own change. This collaboration represents an
suburb of Cape Town. The pitch was assembled of Philippi and positively impact the youth by guest – former Brazil National Team player, Juliano important step toward a solution for the Sport for
and officially inaugurated at an event attended creating a foundation for personal, social and Beletti, who attended the event as UEFA Ambassador. Social Development sector.”
by Albert Fritz – Member of Executive Committee: economic development that can be enjoyed by The 2002 world champion with Brazil held a football The pitch, that will become a training centre
Social Development, Cape Town (Provincial all,” said Mike Higley, Vice President Sub-Saharan clinic with youth from the community, participated in for programmes based around the football3
Minister of Social Development); Anroux Marais – Africa, FedEx Express. the ribbon cutting and an autograph session. methodology, is located in an area where 60%
Member of Executive Committee: Cultural Affairs Founder of OASIS, Clifford Martinus, Also present were, of course, representatives of the population live below the poverty line
and Sport, Cape Town (Provincial Minister of welcomed the programme with the words: “We are from FedEx Express, streetfootballworld and its and the average income amounts to less than
Cultural Affairs and Sport) and Lucas Radebe – excited that this project has come to Philippi as it is network member organisation love.fútbol. Since 100 US Dollars per month. love.fútbol’s local
Former National Team Captain of South Africa, an area that requires great support for the youth. its establishment in 2006, the global non-profit has implementation partner, Pazear, will use the
amongst others. We are positive that this will make a meaningful dedicated its work to providing children and youth football field as a hub for implementing its football
To roll out the project, streetfootballworld impact on the lives of the children that reside with safe and inclusive places to play, empowering activities focusing on the use of sport as a tool to
was supported by local network member OASIS, here by affording young community members communities by engaging local stakeholders in the promote peace building, gender equality and social
a registered non-profit organisation founded in the opportunity to develop life skills, focusing on construction of football infrastructure and redefining transformation. As part of this programme, Pazear
Cape Town in 2000 that uses sports as a driver teamwork, respect for one another and that creates football pitches as centres of community and will offer a football session on site twice a week to
of social change. OASIS will coordinate the a positive dialogue through sport.” platforms for sustainable social change. Co-Founder local children and youth aged 7–18 years.
32 33INFRASTRUCTURE
FedEx Express Delivers Field in a Box™
Where next
for Field in a Box™?
With the successful completion of the fourth Field world of football for good. With our ongoing
in a Box™, the initiative has reached communities collaboration, we look forward to seeing the
on three continents, offering sports facilities and programme spread to further locations, providing
development opportunities to underserved children game-changing infrastructure to communities
and youth. across the globe.”
Reflecting on the past three years of the Before the year 2018 is out, FedEx Express and
collaboration, streetfootballworld Network Director, the UEFA Foundation for Children have committed
Dr. Vladimir Borković, stated: “We are thrilled to to building one more Field in a Box™. After reaching
witness what can be achieved when organisations communities in Europe, Africa and Latin America,
like FedEx Express use their involvement in could the next destination put another continent on
professional football to make an impact in the the initiative’s map? We will keep you posted.
34 35THE WORLD WON’T SUDDENLY BECOME PERFECT
BECAUSE OF US, BUT IF WE HELP EVERY CHILD THAT
WE CAN HELP, IT’S WORTH IT FOR ME.
Daniel Didavi,
Football Player
VfB Stuttgart
60 minutes before the World Cup Semi-Final
match kicks off between Croatia and England,
we sit down with Common Goal player, Daniel
Didavi to not only share predictions – he is
confident about a Croatian victory – but to hear
how his own struggles with injury and a visit to
his father’s home country, Benin, completely
changed his outlook on life. Ever since, the
28-year-old midfielder who recently transferred
from VfL Wolfsburg back to his home club VfB
Stuttgart, has been searching for the right
opportunity to “make the world a better place.”
IN-DEPTH INTERVIEW
DANIEL DIDAVI,
COMMON GOAL
MEMBER
36 37IN-DEPTH INTERVIEW
Daniel Didavi
Oh, you mean the post with the already playing professional, but have a roof over their head, When was the first time you
group of refugees? I think it was a short time earlier, I had missed no bed to sleep in, they don’t ever kicked a football in your
less me and more the refugees out on gaining my Abitur (Editor: know what they will have to eat life. Can you take us back to
who were talented. highest school leaving certificate the next day - things like that. your first football memory?
I grew up with music, I like in Germany) as I quit school And yet you have the feeling At the time my dad was a
listening to music and being able when I got my first professional that life is much happier. That football coach in Germany for
to play music with people ... I find contract. eventually gave me something an ‘F-youth’* team and I had no
it fascinating to observe such to think about and I said to interest whatsoever in playing
moments. Like with the refugees, Anyway, at 21, I got so badly myself: ‘Hey, even if you can football. I was five or six and had
who have nothing here, but as never play football ever again, never felt like playing football.
injured that I was out of
soon as music is playing, they you actually have everything! I was a car fanatic, I mean toy
start laughing, having fun. In that the game for two years and You still have your family, you cars, of course, like match box
moment, they are happy. I love had to be operated on twice. have enough to eat, you have a ... I cruised around with those
that. That really fascinates me. Then, a point came, when roof over your head, you have so and did not want to play football.
many possibilities, you have no Then my dad dragged me along
the doctors said that
What moments in life make because he wanted me to play
you happiest? When do you I probably would never as he was crazy about football.
feel in your element? When are be able to play professional That’s how it happened. The
you most “in flow”? football ever again. first few times I just stood in
For me number one is my family, the corner, not daring to do
my closest friends. When I spend anything, but eventually I played
time with them, then everything In that phase of my life, I let and I realised I had talent. I
is great. My faith is also very things really get to me. I kept was able to play right away and
important to be. I have gained asking myself: ‘Why is this immediately became one of the
so much from it, it has changed happening to me? What did I do best. Things developed from
me a lot and my view on life. I’ve to deserve this?’ I was stuck in there and, from then on, football
always said that I believe in God, a rut. Though, I wouldn’t say I was top of the list for me.
but really living according to your didn’t see any more meaning in
beliefs, that’s something you only my life, I was definitely in a rut *The second youngest category of youth
do when something happens in and didn’t know what to do next. sports groups. Generally, the players are
your life that changes you. Ever Though I did believe in aged 7–8.
since then, I have seen many God, I believed in the wrong
things differently. When I look way. I only saw the hardship
back now at what I used to think and thought: ‘Hey God, do
of as a problem, I don’t even see something! I believe in you, so Would you call football a
a problem. That view on life helps please make me well again!’ But passion? If so, what makes it so
me a lot and has made me much I simply didn’t recover and then special?
happier. I am able to appreciate came the second surgery and the Yes, absolutely. The World Cup
the many small things. I think moment that changed me. It was shows it clearly: football connects
Who do you think will win the I think that, at first glance, I’m that I am generally a very happy before my second operation that reason to be sad!’ I loved playing people, football is fun. When,
Russia FIFA World Cup 2018? an introverted guy. People who person. my father, who is from Benin in football back then and it would years ago, I went to the local
From the very beginning, I said don’t know me, see me more Africa, said: “Come on, I’ll take have been a shame to give it up, football pitch people came along
France. There were moments, as a quiet guy. I may be a little You just alluded to a pivotal you to Africa for a week” and so I but my outlook had changed who did not know each other, but
when I wasn’t that convinced by reserved, shy, but with people moment in your life. What went and I saw the people there. completely. It also took the it didn’t matter, you all played
the way they played, but I didn’t I know, I’m more open. Then exactly was that for you? Benin is a poor country, there are pressure off – not believing that together, no matter where you
change my opinion, and now I’m different. But I think that For me, football was always the probably countries that are even football is all there is. came from, no matter what you
they are in the final, so I think happens automatically when main focus of my life. When you poorer, but there is certainly a lot Then I also started reading looked like, you just played.
France are going to do it. They you’re in the public eye, because play as a young boy, it’s just about of poverty. the Bible myself because I Football also gave us freedom. I
have earned it. I think they are an it means you get a lot of people fun, but then, at some point, at Then I saw people who had hadn’t really studied it before. would go to school – reluctantly
outstanding team! approaching you. Then I might the age of 15, 16 you see that it nothing compared to us here, Reading the Bible gave me a (laughs) – but as soon as school
be a little reserved, a little could also lead to a professional but I still had the feeling that the lot of strength and, at some was out, I would head to the
With so much buzz around quieter, but with people I know I career and that’s how it happened people there, though they clearly point, the pressure to recover football field. Of course, now
footballers – not just during also show my funny side (laughs). with me. Then, things just came have their problems, laugh more, disappeared. I was just positive- things are different, now it’s a bit
the World Cup, but also in You can talk to me about serious easily to me. I don’t mean to they are friendlier people. You minded and believed that I would more business and a job. Things
professional football in general things, but I am also someone imply that I became arrogant, just feel that they experience recover, because God is by my have changed a bit, but football
– it’s easy to forget that you can have a laugh with. I’m but I took a lot for granted and, more joy in life than we do here side. I thought: ‘No matter if it will always be football. I don’t
players are not Gods but “also really just a normal guy. when that happens, you may in Europe, although we have takes two, four years, I will get think much needs to be said
human” and have a life beyond subconsciously think that because much fewer problems here. I well again. And if not, that’s ok, about that. To me, it is not just a
the pitch. Who is Daniel Didavi? You also have musical talent, everything is so easy that you are think the people there would be too.’ That mindset completely profession, but a passion and I
How would your closest friends as we saw from your Instagram something special. happy to have the problems we changed how I dealt with the feel so fortunate that I am able to
describe you? account. Then, when I was 21, I was have here. Some people don’t matter. It changed me in general. do this as a job.
38 39You can also read
