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 and asks for clear messages about inclusivity to come out of Qatar 2022.
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.
#ShineALight: Issues that matter to players
“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)
“I'm sure some players fear for their futures if they admit they are experiencing difficulties. But we need to look at it a different way. Acknowledging that you’re having a tough time is a sign of strength, not weakness.”
— by Sebastian Coates (Uruguay)
“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)
