Common Goal: footballers unite for a common cause
In August, Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata founded "Common Goal" – a fund to support football aid projects all over the world. More and more footballers are following his call.
The Initiator: Juan Mata
"I want to help to change the world, even if only in some small way," wrote Manchester United's Spanish midfielder Juan Mata when launching his "Common Goal" initiative. "And I hope that other footballers around the world will help me in this goal."
The Beneficiary: Streetfootballworld
The 2010 World Cup winner is therefore donating one per cent of his salary to "Streetworldfootball" - a initiative founded in 2002 which supports 120 football aid projects for disadvantaged young people in 80 countries. And Mata's call didn't go unheeded ...
Heather O'Reily, Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan
United States internationals Heather O'Reily, Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan were among the first footballers to support Mata's project. "Alex and I felt it was important that women's football was represented right from the outset," said Rapinoe who, along with her teammates, won the World Cup in 2015.
Pauline Bremer
Next to answer the "Common Goal" call was Champions League winner Pauline Bremer (seen here with the cup). The German international, who transfered from Olympique Lyon to Manchester City in the summer, has been an ambassador for Streetworldfootball since October 2016.
Mats Hummels
Bayern Munich center back Mats Hummels became the first Bundesliga player to support the initiative when he joined in August. "I feel we can do more to give some meaning to the ever-increasing salaries in football," said the 2014 German World Cup winner who, like Mata, is donating one per cent of his earnings to Common Goal.
Dennis Aogo
Stuttgart's Dennis Aogo is donating two per cent of his salary. "It's not to look fashionable and it's not to look cool," said the former Germany international. "It's about helping people."
Julian Nagelsmann
Germany's coaches are also represented in the form of Julian Nagelsmann. "Let's be honest," said the Hoffenheim boss, "for those of us who make a lot of money in this industry, one per cent is not a problem."
Serge Gnabry
German international Serge Gnabry is on loan to Hoffenheim from Bayern and, like Mats Hummels, also referred to the spiralling transfer fees and wages in modern football. "I want the game to be used for good," he said. "That's why I'm joining Common Goal."
Shinji Kagawa
Juan Mata's former Manchester United teammate Shinji Kagawa said he is taking part in Common Goal so that other people can benefit from the potential of football. "Football has taught me many things," said the Borussia Dortmund midfielder. "It gives me hope and helps me look outside the box."
Giorgio Chiellini
International stars such as Giorgio Chiellini are also getting involved. "As footballers, we find ourselves in a privileged position compared to other people in society," said the Juventus and Italy defender. "It's important to bear that in mind and try to support others."
Hasan Ali Kaldirim
Hasan Ali Kaldirim became the first Turkish footballer to join Common Goal. "When we work together, football can have a great and lasting effect all over the world," said the German-born Turkey international who currently plays for Fenerbahce.