WFP announces football star Son Heung-Min as Global Goodwill Ambassador

The announcement was made at the Seoul Sangam Stadium in Korea ahead of a friendly match between Son’s football club Tottenham Hotspur and the K-League All Stars. The match is part of the Spurs’ pre-season tour hosted by Coupang Play.

“My own experience of overcoming enormous challenges with courage and positivity during my teenage life abroad and being away from my family, encouraged me to be able to support people in challenging situations. As a WFP Goodwill Ambassador, I will be a voice to support the mission to end hunger as the pathway to global peace and stability - for the people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impacts of climate change. My passion and courage in the football field will continue to extend beyond the playing field to support WFP operations," said Son Heung-Min.

With considerable influence and popularity spanning across continents, Son will not only shine a spotlight on the plight of the millions of people going to bed hungry but will also be a voice inspiring global commitment and action to end hunger.  

“We are thrilled to welcome Son Heung-Min - a true star of the footballing world - to the WFP family. With Son on our team, we’re more determined than ever to kick hunger into touch,” said David Beasley, WFP Executive Director. “Son joins us at a crucial time when an unprecedented 345 million people are marching toward starvation, and another 828 million go to bed hungry each night. I hope his compassion will inspire soccer fans all over the world to join our campaign - we truly need all hands on deck to avoid a global hunger catastrophe.” 

Prior to being announced a Goodwill Ambassador for WFP, Son was already a passionate and dedicated supporter of the organization. Last year, he lent his voice to a video titled, ‘We Deliver’ which draws powerful parallels between the commitment of WFP to humanitarian action and the player’s commitment and ability to deliver goals when most needed.

“Son’s message has captured the heart of every Korean. He embodies the spirit and legacy of a country that was once a war-torn recipient of WFP assistance to now emerging as one of the most developed countries in the world”, said Marian Yun, Director of WFP’s Office in Seoul. “Korea’s own development story of ending poverty and hunger stands as a brilliant example of what WFP strives to achieve in the countries where it operates.”

 WFP works in over 120 countries and territories and reached more than 128 million people in 2021.

Note to the editor:

Photos from the announcement ceremony will be made available here.

WFP does not endorse any product or service.

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The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

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About Son Heung-Min:

Son Heung-min is a South Korean professional footballer who plays as a forward for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur and captains the South Korea national team. Considered one of the best players in the world and one of the greatest Asian footballers of all time, he is known for his explosive speed, finishing, two-footedness and ability to link play. In the 2021–22 season, he won the Premier League Golden Boot award with 23 goals, becoming the first Asian player to do so. Outside of football, Son is viewed as a symbol of national pride in South Korea for his achievements.