May 25th has been officially designated as World Football Day, following a resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, May 7th. This decision allows football enthusiasts worldwide to celebrate the beloved sport on this special occasion.
The significance of May 25th stems from its association with the centenary of the inaugural international soccer tournament, which took place during the 1924 Summer Olympic Games in Paris. This historic event featured teams representing all regions, marking a milestone in the sport’s history.
The resolution, adopted by the 193-member General Assembly with overwhelming support, was introduced by Libya’s U.N. Ambassador Taher El-Sonni. In his address to the assembly, El-Sonni emphasized that football transcends mere recreation, serving as a universal language that bridges cultural, social, and economic divides.
Recognizing football’s unparalleled global influence, the resolution underscores its role in fostering cooperation, promoting peace, and advancing diplomacy. It acknowledges the significant contributions of FIFA, as well as regional and national soccer federations, in cultivating the sport’s growth and impact.
Moreover, the resolution encourages nations to leverage football and other sports as tools for peacebuilding, development, and the empowerment of women and girls. It calls upon all countries, U.N. bodies, international organizations, academia, civil society, and the private sector to commemorate World Football Day through educational and awareness-raising activities aligned with national priorities.