Fans of the world's most popular sport will now have a day dedicated exclusively to football: World Football Day, to be celebrated annually on May 25th. This historic decision was made by the United Nations General Assembly, which unanimously adopted a resolution proclaiming this day as a tribute to the sport that captivates millions around the globe.
The choice of date is not random, but rather a tribute to the 100th anniversary of the first international football tournament, which took place on May 25, 1924, during the Summer Olympic Games held in Paris. This historic milestone, which brought together teams from all regions for the first time, is now celebrated as an emblematic moment in the history of the sport.
The resolution, co-sponsored by more than 160 countries, highlights football as a universal language that transcends national, cultural and socio-economic boundaries. Taher El-Sonn, Libya's ambassador to the United Nations, emphasized that football goes beyond being just a game, also being a powerful tool for promoting gender equality, social inclusion and international cooperation.
According to El-Sonn, football plays a fundamental role in defending equality and establishing common ground where people from different backgrounds can converge, promoting mutual understanding, tolerance, and solidarity.
The resolution also recognizes the crucial role played by FIFA, the international governing body of football, as well as by national football confederations and federations, in promoting and developing the sport worldwide.
