Why the ‘beautiful game’ is joining the fight for a better world

The sporting icon wasn't there to talk tactics, but to lead his lifelong club, Flamengo, into a global pact to tackle some of the planet’s biggest challenges.

Through an initiative called Football for the Goals , the UN is tapping into the sport’s massive cultural influence to promote human rights, environmental sustainability, and social equality.

A legendary partnership

Zico, a veteran of three World Cups and a hero to millions of fans worldwide, was named the first Brazilian Champion for the programme.

His role is simple but ambitious: use his status to inspire fans to think about the world beyond the pitch.

Zico told our UN News Portuguese team in an interview on Monday, that to be at the UN for the initiative was “ a moment of great honor and much satisfaction that represents all my dedication, my career, and the way I conduct the profession I chose.”

He added that it was important to him to be representing the sport and the players…