World Football Day is celebrated annually on May 25th to honor the global influence of football (soccer) and its power to unite people across cultures and backgrounds. The United Nations officially declared this day in 2024, marking the 100th anniversary of the first international football tournament with global representation, held on May 25, 1924, during the Paris Olympics.
The day recognizes football as more than a sport—it is a universal language that promotes peace, social inclusion, health, and development. The UN highlights football’s role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals, empowering communities, and fostering tolerance, cooperation, and well-being worldwide.