11 Soccer Legends Supporting Humanitarian Action

By: Leland MacLachlan, Canadian Red Cross

What does the world’s largest humanitarian organization and the world’s game have in common? Bringing people together, of course! 

Just like your favourite soccer team, we too have our fair share of supporters. Some of them just so happen to be legends of the game.

We’re highlighting 11 soccer legends who support Red Cross Red Crescent initiatives around the world.


Photo: Canadian Red Cross
 

🧤 Gianluigi Buffon - Goalkeeper

A legend on and off the pitch, Gianluigi Buffon leant his image and his voice to the NEVER GIVE UP #beyondthemask fundraising campaign for the Italian Red Cross Society during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to bring aid to people in need during a time of great uncertainty. 
 

⚡ Alphonso Davies – Left-back

The Roadrunner himself and Canada’s current national team captain, Alphonso Davies, recently joined the Canadian Red Cross as an ambassador for our monthly donor program. Like our monthly donor community, Alphonso understands that consistency breeds excellence—and showing up is everything.
 

🧱 Virgil van Dijk – Centre-back

Virgil van Dijk formally made a €100,000 donation to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on behalf of UEFA, supporting humanitarian work for people affected by armed conflict, including reuniting families that are separated. 
 

🛡️ Kalidou Koulibaly – Centre-back

Two-time (or one-time, depending on who you ask) African Cup of Nations winner, Kalidou Koulibaly, starred in a short film from the ICRC, entitled Defenders. In it, he pleads with combatants to remember the rules of war, promoting respect for the Geneva Conventions and International Humanitarian Law.
 

🔁 Javier Zanetti – Right-back 

Argentine hair, thigh, and footballing legend, Javier Zenetti, has leant his support to multiple Red Cross initiatives, including NEVER GIVE UP #beyondthemask for COVID-19 relief in Italy and the Legends Charity Game for people impacted by the armed conflict in Ukraine.
 

🚑 Blaise Matuidi – Centre midfielder

World Cup winner, Blaise Matuidi, partnered with the ICRC’s Health Care in Danger initiative, helping raise awareness of the risks faced by medical workers in conflict zones and the need to protect health‑care services under International Humanitarian Law.
 

🍁 Atiba Hutchinson – Centre midfielder

Canadian soccer legend and former captain, Atiba Hutchinson, joined by his national teammate, Sam Adekugbe, raised funds for the 2023 Canadian Red Cross Türkiye and Syria Earthquake Appeal. Both players played professionally in Türkiye during the disaster and were instrumental in raising funds for emergency relief, shelter, and recovery support for affected families. 
 

🦵 Kevin De Bruyne – Attacking midfielder

Serving as the UEFA ambassador to the ICRC, Kevin De Bruyne presented a €100,000 donation to support rehabilitation programs for children injured by explosive ordnances. He also leant his time to have a video call with young patients at the ICRC rehabilitation centre in Kabul. 
 

⚽ Mohamed Salah – Right forward

Egyptian superstar, Mohamed Salah, called on world leaders and people everywhere to help stop suffering in Gaza in 2023. He himself contributed to help people in Gaza through the Egyptian Red Crescent, who had scaled up their humanitarian operations massively in response to the conflict.
 

🌍 Lionel Messi – Left forward

Lionel Messi (a.k.a. the GOAT) backed the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement’s Our World, Your Move campaign, helping engage young people on global humanitarian challenges and promote solidarity, compassion, and shared responsibility.
 

⭐ Ronaldo Nazário  – Centre forward

Ronaldo Nazário, O Fenômeno himself, struck fear into the hearts of defenders from the moment he burst onto the scene. Ronaldo served as the Brazilian Red Cross Honourary Representative in the World, calling attention to the importance of volunteering. He also used his enormous platform to encourage donations to the Red Cross after the 2015 earthquake in Nepal.
 

Making an Impact Beyond the Pitch

Whether raising funds for emergencies and disasters around the world or using their platforms to promote humanitarian values, these soccer legends show that the game’s impact extends far beyond the pitch.

Their humanitarian efforts are a reminder that the fundamental principles of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement can unite people around the globe.

Who would make your World Red Cross Red Crescent 11? Check out our National Society player cards and share your picks with us.