Players using their platform
Jackson Irvine: LGBTQIA+ Rights
Australia's Jackson Irvine has family and friends who are from the LGBTQIA+ community. The Socceroos midfielder talks with conviction about promoting LGBTQIA+ rights in football.
Sebastian Coates: Mental Health
Uruguay defender Sebastian Coates speaks movingly about the pressures of top-level football, the suicide of a team-mate, and the importance of players – and everyone – sharing their feelings.
Mark-Anthony Kaye: Social Media Abuse
After being sent off in a high-stakes World Cup qualifier, Mark-Anthony Kaye received horrendous social media abuse. The Canada midfielder describes his experiences of online hate, and what more needs to be done to tackle the issue.
Saki Kumagai: Player Conditions
Japan defender Saki Kumagai, a veteran of four Women's World Cups and a 2011 world champion, talks about the evolution of improved conditions for women's internationals at the global finals and the significance of the player voice.
#ShineALight: Issues that matter to players
Saki Kumagai: "There’s no going back"
#ShineALight: Japan defender Saki Kumagai, a veteran of four Women's World Cups and a 2011 world champion, talks about the evolution of improved conditions for women's internationals at the global finals and the significance of the player voice.
“Players don’t speak out much about how online abuse affects us. As athletes, we don’t want to admit this could hurt us, or that we even notice it. But we’re all human. It hurts. It hurts our families.”
— by Mark-Anthony Kaye (Canada)
“It’s massively important for players to continue to speak up and use our voices for good – but to do it, we need to feel comfortable and supported.”
— by Jackson Irvine (Australia)
