World Football Day

Last year, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to recognize May 25 as World Football Day. In 2024, the day marked the 100th anniversary of the first international football tournament featuring teams from all regions.

Football, known as soccer in the United States, made its Olympic debut in Paris in 1924. This annual celebration is meant to honour the global impact of football as a unifying sport. It also sheds light on the role of football in promoting peace, development and women’s empowerment. The day encourages all countries to celebrate the value of the sport through special events and competitions.

Football traces its roots to ancient civilisations, with early versions of the game being played in China, Greece, and Rome. The modern version, however, emerged in 19th-century England, when official rules first came into place, leading to the foundation of the Football Association in 1863.

World Football Day: History

From dusty fields to state-of-the-art stadiums, football has now grown into a global passion, with tournaments like the FIFA World Cup uniting nations and cultures. The proposal to designate May 25 as World Football Day was put forward by Libya’s ambassador to the United Nations, Taher El-Sonni. The initiative received widespread support, with over 160 UN member states showing a thumbs-up to the resolution.

While presenting the proposal, Ambassador El-Sonni highlighted football’s global reach, emphasizing its presence in communities of all sizes—from small villages to major cities. He also admitted it to be the most popular sport in the world.

World Football Day: Significance

World Football Day celebrates the power of football to unite people across cultures, nations, and backgrounds. The sport promotes teamwork, fair play, and mutual respect, while also driving social inclusion, community development, and peace-building efforts. It also honours football’s cultural impact and its ability to inspire youth and encourage healthy lifestyles.