Joining a player union unlocks many benefits for professional footballers. Through the power of the collective via FIFPRO’s 66 member unions, men’s and women’s players around the world are able to stand together with one common voice – supporting each other to push for positive change in their industry.

Jan Vertonghen is Belgium’s most capped player, having made over 150 appearances for the Red Devils. The Anderlecht defender, who played for Ajax, Tottenham Hotspur and Benfica, launched the Jan Vertonghen Foundation to enable children in hospitals to play and be creative regardless of their illness.

The rules relating to players include a minimum of two, four or eight weeks’ leave for adoption and at least eight weeks for the partners of mothers in same-sex relationships. In other developments, players have the right to take time off for health issues related to menstruation and there is a new clause that encourages a family-friendly environment at federation level for players with children.