May 25th: A Day for Soccer Fans to Celebrate the World’s Most Popular Sport

Soccer fans around the world have a new reason to celebrate as the United Nations General Assembly has officially declared May 25 as World Football Day. This historic decision comes as a tribute to the world’s most popular sport, known as football outside of the United States.

The resolution was adopted on Tuesday, marking the 100th anniversary of the first international soccer tournament in history, which took place on May 25, 1924 during the summer Olympic games in Paris. The General Assembly, consisting of 193 member states, unanimously approved the resolution with a bang of the gavel by its president, Dennis Francis, amidst applause from diplomats in the assembly chamber. The resolution was co-sponsored by over 160 countries.

Libya’s U.N. Ambassador Taher El-Sonni, who introduced the resolution, emphasized the global significance of soccer, stating that it is the number one game played and followed around the world. He highlighted the role of soccer as a universal language that transcends national, cultural, and socio-economic barriers, promoting mutual understanding, tolerance, respect, and solidarity.

The resolution recognizes the impact of football in various spheres, including commerce, peace, and diplomacy, and acknowledges the fundamental role of FIFA, as well as regional and national soccer federations, in promoting the game. It encourages countries to support soccer and other sports as tools for peace, development, and the empowerment of women and girls.

On May 25, nations, U.N. bodies, international organizations, academia, civil society, and the private sector are invited to observe World Football Day and promote the advantages of football for all through educational and public awareness-raising activities. This momentous occasion serves as a reminder of the unifying power of soccer and its ability to bring people together from all walks of life.