Back in August, Juan Mata used The Players’ Tribune to announce his commitment to Common Goal, a collective fund that supports football charities around the globe. Mata’s pledge was to donate 1% of his salary to the NGO streetfootballworld. Along with his own pledge, Mata called on other professionals to join him in creating “a movement based on shared values that can become integral to the whole football industry — forever.”
Mata’s vision is the long-term goal of unlocking “1% of the entire football industry’s revenues for grassroots football charities that strengthen their communities through sport.” The Manchester United midfielder’s belief in the power of football for a positive change in the world has been echoed by those who’ve followed his example.
Thus far, the following footballers have joined Mata and pledged 1% of their wages to the cause.