Ballon d’Or Series – Eusébio
In 1965, the “Black Panther” became football’s first Black Ballon d’Or winner. Born in Mozambique, Eusébio’s 48 goals for Benfica and World Cup heroics with Portugal made him a global icon and a timeless symbol of excellence.

Carlos Bernardes is among the most accomplished Gold Badge chair umpires in tennis history. His passion began in childhood in Brazil, when he and his friends would sneak into a local club to play until an official told them to register like everyone else. That moment marked the beginning of a remarkable journey. He started as a tennis teacher before turning to officiating in 1984, after the death of his father pushed him to find stability. He volunteered as a line judge at São Paulo’s Pinheiros Sports Club during a Fed Cup match. By 1992, he was a full-time ATP chair umpire, beginning a career that would span four decades. Bernardes oversaw countless major matches: the first Rafael Nadal–Roger Federer encounter at the 2004 Miami Open, the 2011 Wimbledon men’s final between Novak Djokovic and Nadal, the 2016 ATP Finals between Djokovic and Andy Murray, and many more. As a Gold Badge umpire, he officiated at Grand Slams, on the ATP and WTA tours, and at the Olympics. His career was not without tension. Nadal once requested not to have him officiate, citing strict treatment. Bernardes later clarified that their relationship was always respectful, even amid heated disputes. “We have this image because of the arguments. But we’ve always treated each other very well. And that’s something I’ll never forget,” he explained. In 2021, Bernardes suffered a heart attack while working at the Australian Open but recovered and returned later that year. He retired in 2024 after his final match at the Davis Cup Finals in Málaga. Reflecting on his journey, he said: “I didn’t come from a rich family … and after all this time, to realize I’ve visited over 100 countries, met people from simple people to presidents, it doesn’t feel like real life. The passion for the sport is one of the things that’s kept me going.”

Carlos Bernardes, Brazil’s Gold Badge chair umpire, officiated iconic matches from Federer–Nadal to Wimbledon and the Olympics. Despite clashes with Nadal, he earned respect worldwide. After a heart attack in 2021, he returned before retiring in 2024, closing a 40-year career across 100 countries.

Faith Thomas grew up far from manicured pitches. At Colebrook Home in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges, she and other children carved out the game on dusty roads, using rocks for balls and scraps of wood for bats. Out of those makeshift beginnings came a pioneer. In 1958 Thomas became the first Indigenous woman to represent Australia in international cricket, a breakthrough that echoed beyond the boundary lines. Her path to the game was unconventional. Trained as a nurse, she first encountered organized cricket through colleagues at the Royal Adelaide Medical College. In only her second club match she claimed a hat-trick, so striking that she was soon selected for South Australia. Within two years she was wearing national colours. Thomas was a fast bowler of rare ability, known for her short run-up, surprising pace, and yorkers delivered with pinpoint accuracy. Her Test career lasted just one match, but her impact transcended numbers. She carried the hopes of a community too often excluded, proving that representation itself could be an act of defiance. Her life stretched far beyond cricket. As a patrol nurse and midwife, she drove long distances to remote communities, tending to patients with little more than determination and compassion. That same spirit inspired generations of Indigenous women not only to pursue sport but to imagine futures once thought out of reach. In 2019 she was appointed to the Order of Australia, recognition of both her cricketing achievement and her service to the Aboriginal community. Thomas died in 2023 at 90. Her career may have spanned a single Test, but her legacy has lasted decades. She remains proof that the game, and the nation, is richer when every community can see itself on the field.

Faith Thomas, the first Indigenous woman to represent Australia in cricket, played one Test in 1958 but left a legacy far beyond numbers. A nurse and midwife, she served remote communities and inspired generations. She died in 2023 at 90, a pioneer whose impact continues to resonate.

Allyson Felix’s Maternity Rights Campaign Pressured Nike to Revise Its Contracts for Pregnant Athletes When Allyson Felix, one of track and field’s most decorated champions, spoke out in 2019, she did more than challenge a contract. She confronted a system. A six-time Olympic gold medalist and one of Nike’s most marketable stars, Felix exposed how pregnancy was treated as a liability in women’s sport. At the time she was renegotiating her deal with Nike while pregnant. The brand offered her a 70% pay cut and refused to guarantee she would not be penalized during pregnancy or postpartum recovery. For Felix, it was a defining moment. “I wanted to set a new standard,” she wrote in The New York Times. “If I, one of Nike’s most widely marketed athletes, couldn’t secure these protections, who could?” Her courage cast light on a darker reality: for too long, pregnancy had been seen as “the kiss of death” for female athletes. The contradiction was glaring. Nike’s glossy “Dream Crazier” campaign celebrated women breaking barriers, yet behind the scenes those same women faced financial punishment for becoming mothers. Felix refused to stay silent, and her voice resonated. Public outcry, amplified by fellow athletes and lawmakers, forced Nike to act. In August 2019 the company introduced a new maternity policy, guaranteeing pay and bonuses for 18 months around pregnancy. “Our voices have power,” Felix declared. “Female athletes will no longer be financially penalized for having a child.” The impact rippled across the industry. Other leading apparel companies soon adopted similar protections, reshaping the landscape for women in sport. Felix herself moved to Athleta, a brand that embraced her dual identity as athlete and mother. She returned to the track and won her tenth Olympic medal, proving that excellence and motherhood are not mutually exclusive.

Allyson Felix challenged Nike’s treatment of pregnant athletes in 2019, refusing a 70% pay cut. Her stand forced Nike to adopt maternity protections, sparked industry-wide change, and proved that motherhood and excellence can coexist. She returned to win her 10th Olympic medal as a mother.

Some voices don’t just call the game, they change the way it is remembered. For fans in the 1990s and 2000s, Stuart Scott was that voice. With catchphrases like “Boo-yah,” infectious energy, and unapologetic authenticity, he transformed ESPN’s SportsCenter from a highlight show into a cultural stage. Born in Chicago in 1965 and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Scott studied speech communication at the University of North Carolina while working at the student radio station WXYC. His career began at WPDE-TV and WESH before ESPN recruited him as part of a new wave of broadcasters who could reach younger, more diverse audiences. In a field long dominated by polished, buttoned-down delivery, Scott brought something entirely different. His cadence reflected hip-hop, his language everyday life, his tone the culture itself. To some executives it was too bold. To millions of fans it was revolutionary. His voice mirrored a generation that finally saw itself represented on screen. For over two decades he was a fixture at ESPN, covering the NBA and NFL, anchoring major events, and interviewing athletic and cultural icons. He blurred the lines between sport, music, community, and politics, proving that authenticity could thrive on the biggest stage. In 2007 Scott was diagnosed with cancer. He kept working through treatment, never letting the disease define him. At the 2014 ESPYs, accepting the Jimmy V Award, he stood frail but unbroken: “When you die, that does not mean you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live.” Scott passed on January 4, 2015, at just 49. Nearly a decade later his voice still echoes. He opened the door for broadcasters of color, for authentic voices, and for a style of journalism that embraced culture rather than sidelined it. His legacy endures in every broadcaster who dares to be themselves and in the reminder that authenticity can change an industry.

Stuart Scott transformed ESPN with catchphrases like “Boo-yah” and a voice shaped by hip-hop and culture. For two decades he made sports broadcasting authentic and inclusive. He passed in 2015 at 49, but his legacy endures as a reminder that authenticity can change an industry.

Britain’s Most Persevering Football Journalist Darren Lewis is a journalist whose storytelling has brought culture and humanity to the world’s greatest sports. He grew up with a deep love for football and an appreciation of the work it takes to succeed. His journey into journalism began with a desire to highlight not only the moments on the field but also the sacrifices, struggles, and people that make those moments possible. He started in local news in London in 1995 before joining The Mirror in 2000 as a football writer. Over two decades he became one of Britain’s most respected voices, rising to Assistant Editor of Football and later Assistant Editor of the entire paper in 2020. His coverage of the Premier League and international tournaments earned him recognition worldwide, combining authority with empathy. Lewis’s work has been celebrated repeatedly on the Football Black List, honoring influential figures of African and Caribbean heritage shaping the game. In 2018 he joined the Football Writers’ Association national committee, and in July 2023 he was named President-elect of the Sports Journalists’ Association, the first Black journalist to hold the role. His voice has reached audiences far beyond print. He is a contributor to talkSPORT, Premier League Productions, and Sky Sports’ Super Sunday Matchday. In 2022 he stepped onto a global stage as Senior Sports Analyst for CNN Sport, bringing his insight to international audiences. Lewis ensures that deeper narratives are not lost in the glamour of headlines. His career has been defined by a commitment to justice and inclusion. Beyond the newsroom, he is a mentor, a speaker, and a tireless supporter of initiatives breaking down barriers in sport and media. Darren Lewis doesn’t just document football. He captures its culture and uncovers its heart.

Darren Lewis, Senior Sports Analyst at CNN and longtime Mirror journalist, is one of Britain’s most respected football voices. From the Football Black List to President-elect of the Sports Journalists’ Association, he champions diversity, justice, and the deeper culture of the game.

William C. Rhoden has never treated sport as an escape from society but as a stage where America reveals its deepest contradictions. For more than four decades, he has argued that the playing field reflects race, power, wealth, and control. Born in 1950 in Chicago, Rhoden grew up in a home where sports and struggle intertwined. His father was his first coach, his mother urged him to face prejudice with dignity, and the Black athletes he watched as a child became a source of pride in a world that often withheld it. The turbulence of the 1960s shaped his vision. The assassinations of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr., and the stripping of Muhammad Ali’s heavyweight crown, were not distant headlines but lessons. By the time he graduated from Morgan State University in 1973, steeped in Black history and culture, Rhoden understood that sport could never be separated from society’s battles. Writing was as central to him as playing. “My whole life basically has been tied up in sports from the time I was eight years old… I played in high school, I played in college. But I was also writing that long too,” he reflected. That dual calling led him first to the Baltimore Afro-American, under the guidance of pioneer Sam Lacy, and then to the New York Times in 1983. There, his columns became essential reading not recaps, but sharp examinations of ownership, exploitation, excellence, and betrayal. His landmark book Forty Million Dollar Slaves crystallized these themes, arguing that even amid unprecedented wealth, Black athletes remained bound by invisible chains. Both history and prophecy, it remains a framework for understanding sport today. Yet Rhoden’s impact extends far beyond the page. As a founding member of the NABJ Sports Task Force and the creator of the Rhoden Fellowship, he has mentored generations of Black journalists, ensuring that voices once silenced will not only be heard but will lead.

When William C. Rhoden published Forty Million Dollar Slaves in 2006, he gave language to what many had long felt but few had fully articulated: that the wealth and visibility of Black athletes did not equal freedom. The book traces a painful but vital history from the plantation fields to boxing rings, from segregated leagues to billion-dollar stadiums showing how power structures continued to limit autonomy even as salaries skyrocketed. Rhoden’s central argument is as sharp as it is unsettling. Despite unprecedented fame and fortune, Black athletes remain bound by what he calls “the plantation system,” where ownership and institutions ultimately dictate their possibilities. He connects the rise of modern superstars to the same dynamics that once denied basic dignity to their ancestors, revealing how control has simply shifted forms rather than disappeared. The book is not just critique it is also vision. Rhoden explores moments of resistance and solidarity, from Jack Johnson’s defiance in the early 20th century to Muhammad Ali’s refusal to be silenced, and he challenges today’s athletes to see themselves as part of a continuum of struggle. In doing so, Forty Million Dollar Slaves insists that sport is never just about the game. It is about labor, history, and the fight for self-determination. Nearly two decades after its release, the book remains prophetic. The debates around athlete activism, ownership, and exploitation in leagues like the NFL and NBA still echo Rhoden’s analysis. His work continues to serve as both a warning and a guide a reminder that without collective action, individual success can too easily mask systemic inequities.

William C. Rhoden, veteran journalist and author of Forty Million Dollar Slaves, has shown for decades that sport mirrors America’s struggles with race and power. From the New York Times to mentoring young Black writers, he’s chronicled, challenged, and shaped the future of sports journalism.

Herstory: Carolyn Peck – A Pioneer in Women’s Basketball Born in Jefferson City, Tennessee in 1966, Carolyn Peck has blazed a trail through every stage of women’s basketball — from player to coach to broadcaster. Her coaching journey began in 1993 when she served as an assistant under the legendary Pat Summitt at Tennessee. In just two seasons, the Lady Vols captured back-to-back SEC titles and 30-win seasons, giving Peck her first taste of championship culture. After stops at Kentucky, she joined Purdue as an assistant before quickly stepping into the head coach role. In 1999, she led Purdue to the NCAA Championship, becoming the first African American woman to coach a team to a national women’s basketball title — a groundbreaking achievement that secured her place in history. Peck’s career extended to the pros as the first head coach and GM of the WNBA’s Orlando Miracle. Later, she transitioned into broadcasting, bringing her expertise courtside as one of the most respected voices in women’s basketball. Her ability to combine insight with lived experience elevated the sport’s visibility and inspired countless players and coaches. In 2023, Peck was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, an honor that reflects her decades of impact. From championship banners to broadcast booths, she has opened doors for future generations of Black coaches and women in basketball. Carolyn Peck’s legacy is not only written in trophie >

Carolyn Peck made history in 1999 as the first Black woman to coach a team to the NCAA women’s basketball championship with Purdue. Later a WNBA coach & broadcaster, she was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023.

Diaspora Stories: Hakeem Olajuwon – from Nigeria to the NBA. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon grew up in a Yoruba family of seven children. His parents instilled in him values of respect, hard work, and honesty lessons that later shaped his approach to basketball. As a boy, Olajuwon excelled in football, table tennis, and handball. Playing goalkeeper sharpened his balance and agility. At 15, a high school coach urged him to try basketball simply because the school needed a center. That moment changed his life. His talent blossomed quickly, drawing attention from abroad. In 1980, he left Nigeria for the University of Houston. Arriving at the airport, no one came to pick him up; staff told him to take a taxi. From there, “The Dream” began to take shape. His dunks looked so effortless that his coach nicknamed him accordingly and the name stuck. Olajuwon went on to redefine what it meant to be a center. At 7ft (2.13m), he combined size with footwork, ball handling, defense, and shot-blocking in a way the NBA had never seen. He won back-to-back NBA titles with the Houston Rockets (1994 & 1995), earned 12 All-Star selections, and remains one of the league’s most complete big men. As one of the first African-born international stars in the NBA, Olajuwon paved the way for today’s generation from Joel Embiid to Giannis Antetokounmpo. His name, Hakeem, means “wise and intelligent.” On the court and off, “The Dream” lived up to it. >

Hakeem Olajuwon, born in Lagos , redefined the NBA center. From “The Dream” at Houston to 2 NBA titles & 12 All-Stars, he became a pioneer for African players. His journey opened the door for stars like Embiid & Giannis.

Changemakers: Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf – standing for something, even if it costs everything. Twenty years before Colin Kaepernick, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf protested the U.S. national anthem — and it cost him his NBA career. Born in Gulfport, Mississippi, Abdul-Rauf grew up in poverty, often without proper nutrition. Basketball became both his escape and his gift. Drafted 3rd overall in 1990 by the Denver Nuggets, he quickly rose to stardom: NBA Most Improved Player (1993), league leader in free-throw percentage (1993–94, 1995–96), and unforgettable performances like his 51-point game against Utah and 32 points in Denver’s rare victory over the 72-win Chicago Bulls. But in 1996, everything changed. Abdul-Rauf refused to stand for the anthem, calling the flag a “symbol of oppression and racism” and declaring: “You can’t be for God and for oppression.” The backlash was immediate. Denver traded him to Sacramento, his minutes shrank, and by 1998 no team would offer him a contract — many believe a deliberate blackballing. Years later, Abdul-Rauf never wavered: “It’s priceless to know that I can go to sleep knowing that I stood on my principles… Whether I go broke, whether they take my life, whatever it is, I stood on principles. To me, that is worth more than wealth and fame.” Though the NBA now celebrates activism, Abdul-Rauf remains without an apology. His courage reminds us that true change often begins with sacrifice. >

20 years before Kaepernick, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf refused to stand for the anthem calling the flag a “symbol of oppression.” The NBA blackballed him, but he never regretted it: “I stood on principles. That’s worth more than wealth and fame.”

Marcel Desailly’s name is etched among football’s all-time greats. Born Odenke Abbey in Accra, Ghana, he hailed from the Ga tribe. Adopted as a child and brought to France, he took the surname “Desailly” from his stepfather. His career began at FC Nantes, where his stepbrother Seth Adonkor inspired him. After seven seasons, he moved to Olympique de Marseille in 1992 and helped them win the 1993 UEFA Champions League still the only French club to do so. That same year, AC Milan signed him, and in 1994 he became the first player ever to win back-to-back Champions League titles with two different clubs. Two Serie A crowns followed, confirming his status as one of the finest defenders of the 1990s. With France, Desailly was central to the nation’s golden generation. He earned 116 caps between 1993 and 2004, anchoring the defense during France’s historic 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 triumphs. In his words: “Football is about passion and responsibility. When you love the game, you give it everything, and it rewards you in return.” In 1998 he joined Chelsea, becoming captain and helping the club rise as a force in English football. Later spells in Qatar closed out his career, but his influence stretched far beyond the pitch. In 2003, he captained France to Confederations Cup glory. Since retiring, Desailly has focused on philanthropy, particularly in Ghana, where his foundation supports grassroots football and community welfare. From Accra to Paris, Milan to London, his journey embodies resilience, excellence, and giving back to the game that shaped him. >

From Accra to Paris, Milan & London Marcel Desailly rose from Ghana to World & Euro champion with France. The first to win back-to-back UCL titles with different clubs, 116 caps for Les Bleus, and a leader who gave football everything and gave back to Ghana in return.

Brazil is world-famous for its footballing glory but behind the men’s success lies a forgotten history of resistance in the women’s game. By the 1940s, women’s football was thriving, with over 40 teams in Rio de Janeiro alone. But in 1941, president Getúlio Vargas banned women from playing, claiming football was “incompatible with the female nature.” The effects were brutal. Players were mocked, arrested, and even beaten by family members. Formiga, who would later become a global legend, was discouraged by her brothers. Cristiane destroyed her dolls and kicked them like footballs. Sissi was warned by her mother there was no future for girls in the sport yet still snuck out to play. It was more than a political ban: it was a fight against family, society, and myth. Many women gave up. Those who didn’t, built something new from nothing. After the ban was lifted in 1979, they brought their own kits, bought their own meals, and played under unequal rules shorter matches, covered bodies. Still, they rose. Since 1991, Brazil has qualified for every FIFA Women’s World Cup. In 2004, a new generation Formiga, Cristiane, 18-year-old Marta won Olympic silver. In 2020, the CBF announced equal pay for men and women. The 38-year ban may have delayed progress, but women like Formiga, Sissi, Roseli, and Cristiane refused to be erased. Their fight made today possible: 8 Copa América titles, 2 Olympic silvers, and a nation still chasing its first World Cup now on its own terms. > Image: Archive Jornal Estado de Minas, 1959 / Museu do Futebol / Google Arts & Culture

Brazil banned women’s football for 38 years (1941–79). Players resisted in secret. From Formiga to Marta, their fight turned silence into 8 Copa América titles, 2 Olympic silvers & equal pay.

📷 Jornal Estado de Minas, 1959 / Museu do Futebol

Suriname’s top talents play for other nations — not by choice, but by law. A ban on dual citizenship still blocks a generation from representing their roots. While others embrace their diaspora, Suriname watches from the sidelines. Talent isn’t the issue. Policy is.

Segun Odegbami: The “Mathematical” Legend

AFCON 1980 champion, Shooting Stars icon & football genius. More than a player—an economist, activist & mentor shaping future generations.

#SegunOdegbami #AFCON1980 #FootballLegend #NigerianGreat

Malcolm Marshall, a fast-bowling legend, dominated cricket with blistering speed & deadly swing. At just 5’9”, he took 376 Test wickets in 81 matches. Known for his fearless 1984 heroics, he later coached & shaped future stars. ICC Hall of Fame 2009—his legacy is unmatched. #WestIndiesCricket

The story of Simon Tahamata, the football star of the Maluku community. Tahamata was born in Vught in the Netherlands on 26 May, 1956 in a former concentration camp where former Moluccan KNIL soldiers were stationed with their families. In his childhood, he and his family lived in the city of Tiel, a town in the middle of the Netherlands with the particularity to have the largest community of Maluku in the country. Tahamata started out at a local club in Tiel before he got recruited for the Ajax youth academy in 1971. In a conversation with More Than Goals, Tahamata shared how many doubted his chances of making it. “They used to say ‘he’s too small to make it professionally’ but I did.” After he debuted at Ajax, Simon became the first breakthrough player from the Moluccan diaspora and paved the way for talent who emerged from the same community such as Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Tijjani Reijnders. Tahamata went on to win three Dutch League titles and reach the semi finals of Europa Cup I. On top of that Simon also played 22 international games for the Netherlands. He became a crowd favorite because of his humbleness, cheeky smile and great technique. At the same time, he became a role model for the Moluccan community since he was their first big star. His position as a role model and de facto spokesperson brought tension when Moluccan activists protested the poor treatment of their community in the Netherlands. After the hijacking of a train by activists, Tahamata found himself in a conflicted relationship with the Dutch society. But even though there was pressure, the footballer used his platform to speak his truth. “Those boys threw away their future for us and I stand behind them. I could have been one of the hijackers. It was not appreciated but it’s how the Netherlands got to know about us: the Moluccan people.”

The story of Simon Tahamata, the football star of the Maluku community. Tahamata was born in Vught in the Netherlands on 26 May, 1956 in a refugee camp for independence-seeking Moluccans fleeing repression in the former Dutch colony of Indonesia. In his childhood, he and his family lived in the city of Tiel, a town in the middle of the Netherlands with the particularity to have the largest community of Maluku in the country.

After the hijacking of a train by activists, Tahamata found himself in a conflicted relationship with the Dutch society. But even though there was pressure, the footballer used his platform to speak his truth. "Those boys threw away their future for us and I stand behind them. I could have been one of the hijackers. It was not appreciated but it's how the Netherlands got to know about us: the Moluccan people."

His position as a role model and de facto spokesperson brought tension when Moluccan activists protested the poor treatment of their community in the Netherlands.

Simon Tahamata, born in 1956, became the first Moluccan football star, winning titles with Ajax and representing the Dutch 22 times.A role model for his community, he used his platform to highlight their struggles, supporting activists during the 1977 train hijacking and standing for Moluccan pride.

In 1960, Ethiopian runner Abebe Bikila won the Olympic marathon barefoot, becoming the first black African to win gold. After his shoes caused blisters, he ran barefoot, setting a world record. Four years later, at the Tokyo Olympics, he broke his own record, cementing his place in history.

How Ruud Gullit supported the South African anti-apartheid movement. Majority of the people who know about Gullit are aware of him being one of the best footballers in the 80s. But he was more than just an exceptional athlete. Not only was he an inspiration for young kids that dreamed of one day gracing the pitch but he was also a voice for the voiceless as he used his status to create awareness for the struggles in South Africa. In 1987, Ruud won the Ballon d'Or as top goalscorer in Europe and he dedicated it to the then imprisoned Nelson Mandela. When Gullit used his moment to shine light on Nelson Mandela, he recalled that many Italians were unaware of who Madiba was and the press didn't take it lightly that a footballer was talking about politics. But for Gullit, dedicating his award to the anti-apartheid icon wasn't a political stance but rather a human decision. But what made the Surinamese Dutch footballer aware of the anti-apartheid struggle? The answer is reggae music. "I was into reggae music, and a lot of us sang about Nelson Mandela, Steve Biko. So these people were like icons for me. They fought for a cause that was enormous." Gullit even joined reggae band Revelation and one of the songs they released together is called 'South Africa. The song was an indictment of apartheid in South Africa. As a musician, Gullit performed at concerts throughout Milan, with the majority of them taking place at the Zimba - an immigrant club. He would play bass and sing during the shows while wearing a plain black t-shirt with a statement, written in white and in capitals that said: 'STOP APARTHEID!. In a time when it was expected from athletes to just shut up and dribble, he did the opposite. Whether it was through sports or music, at the height of his career Ruud Gullit stood in solidarity with the fight against apartheid.

It's important to emphasize that Ruud Gullit embodies more than just football; he represents the power of unity. His legacy is a testament to how sports can transcend boundaries and bring people together.

Ballon d'Or Dedication. In 1987, after winning the Ballon d'Or as Europe's top goalscorer, Gullit dedicated his award to the imprisoned Nelson Mandela. At that time, many Italians were unaware of who Mandela was, and the press was critical of a footballer speaking on political issues. For Gullit, this was not a political statement but a moral choice.

Ruud Gullit and the Anti-Apartheid Movement. Many know Ruud Gullit as one of the best footballers of the 1980s, but he was much more than an exceptional athlete. He inspired countless young people with dreams of playing on the pitch, but he also served as a voice for the voiceless, using his platform to raise awareness of the struggles in South Africa.

Ruud Gullit, one of the 1980s’ greatest footballers, used his platform to fight apartheid. In 1987, he dedicated his Ballon d’Or to Nelson Mandela, raising awareness of his imprisonment.

Building a legacy: When Coco Gauff won her first-ever major title in 2023, she became the first American teen to win the US Open since Serena Williams in 2001. She’s not just following in the footsteps of her idol; she’s carving her own path and creating her legacy. Coco’s father, Corey, revealed in an interview how Williams inspired his daughter. “I think it was the Australian Open we were watching on TV when she was four or five,” he said. “She saw me jump up celebrating when Serena won and said, ‘Daddy, do you like that? I want to do the same thing.’” Like the Williams sisters, Gauff’s pro career began while she was still in high school, which brought unique challenges. “Throughout my life, I was always the youngest to do things, which added hype that I didn’t want,” she said. “It added this pressure that I needed to do well fast. Once I let that all go, that’s when I started to have the results I wanted.” Many young tennis talents have been thrust into the spotlight during Grand Slam press conferences, but it's rare to see one with Coco's presence and insight. Achieving this confidence required pioneers like Venus and Serena to break down barriers created by a predominantly white tennis media, making it possible for Coco to unapologetically be herself. Coco embraces comparisons to Serena, stating, “Being in any sentence with her is great. I mean, she’s the greatest player of all time. I’m just really honored to be in the same sentence as her.” In 2024, Coco achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the highest-paid female athlete, surpassing significant earnings through endorsements with major brands. This achievement underscores her success on the court and her influence in the sports world, serving as inspiration for young female athletes. A new era is in full effect 🎾👑

Coco Gauff, the first American teen to win the US Open since Serena Williams, is carving her own legacy. In 2024, she became the highest-paid female athlete, inspiring young female athletes worldwide. 🎾👑

Marta Vieira da Silva, the Queen of Football, is one of resilience and inspiration. Growing up in Alagoas, Brazil, one of the country’s most disadvantaged states, Marta faced unique challenges as a woman in sports. Raised in a single-parent household with her two brothers and sister, she often played barefoot, using deflated footballs or makeshift balls made from scrunched-up plastic bags due to her mother's financial struggles. At just 14, Marta caught the attention of a scout from Vasco da Gama, who was looking to establish a women’s team. This marked the beginning of her professional journey. With dreams of becoming a football player, she traveled three days by bus to Rio for trials, where she proved her mettle. Her talent quickly shone through, leading to her selection for the Brazilian national team in 2002. Marta played a pivotal role in a 2-1 semi-final victory over Argentina, scoring both goals that helped Brazil clinch the championship at the Pan American Games a year later. Throughout her career, she amassed numerous accolades, including being named FIFA World Player of the Year 6 times, with five consecutive wins from 2006 to 2010.Remarkably,she remains Brazil’s all-time top goalscorer, male or female. Recently, Marta achieved another milestone by winning her first NWSL title with Orlando Pride after eight seasons.This victory was especially poignant as her mother attended the final and witnessed her daughter compete in the U.S. for the first time,marking a crowning moment in Marta's extraordinary career. It’s essential to recognize that women’s football faced significant barriers in Brazil, having been banned from 1941 to 1979.It wasn't until 1986 that the national women's team played its first match. For many girls,Marta symbolizes hope and empowerment,proving that their dreams can flourish even in a male-dominated sport. Through her journey, she has inspired countless young athletes to pursue their passions and break through societal limitations.

Marta of Brazil presents the adidas golden shoe, Abby Wambach of the USA presents the adidas silver shoe and Ragnhild Gulbrandsen of Norway presents the adidas bronze shoe afterg the Women's World Cup 2007

Lionel Messi of Argentina and at that time player of Barcelona FC with the FIFA player of the year award with Marta of Brazil with the FIFA womens world player of the year award during the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2010 t the congress hall on January 10, 2011 in Zurich, Switzerland.

Ronaldo, Cristiano - football, striker, Portugal - presents the FIFA trophy for the award as World Player of the Year 2008, next to Marta (BRA), also awarded World Player of the Year

Marta Vieira da Silva, the Queen of Football, rose from humble beginnings in Brazil, overcoming challenges to become a six-time FIFA World Player of the Year and a symbol of hope for young female athletes.

Remembering when George Weah became the first African footballer by nationality to win the Ballon d’Or (1995). Not only was this a moment in which the Liberian striker etched his name in football history, but it also challenged the perceptions of African footballers on the world stage. Before Weah, other Black players opened the door before him. Eusebio, the Portuguese-Mozambican legend, had been the first Black player to win the award in the 1960s when he shook up the leagues with Benfica. It would take 22 years for the Dutch-Surinamese Ruud Gullit to continue breaking barriers by winning in 1987. Gullit went on to dedicate his award to Nelson Mandela, to raise that moment as a way to raise awareness for the anti-apartheid movement. But Weah’s 1995 win was different. He was not just a Black player, but the first African player by nationality to win the Ballon d’Or. Coming from Liberia, a nation far from the traditional footballing powerhouses, his victory was a watershed moment for African football. Becoming the continent’s first Ballon d’Or winner proved that talent had no borders. “We have created some spaces for African soccer. We have made African football respected,” Weah later said in an interview with Guardian. After winning the Ballon d’Or, George Weah still encountered racism, even at AC Milan. “Even inside Milan, they were making fun of me and Africa, repeating at every opportunity,” he said. “Did you sell it to buy them bread?” But this prejudice didn’t take away what this pivotal moment meant in football. It showed that African players weren’t just participants but could also be game-changers of the highest level.

George Weah (Milan) presents the Golden Ball for European Footballer of the Year 1995 Football... George Weah (Milan) presents the Golden Ball for European Footballer of the Year 1995 Football Men's Serie A 1995 1996, 1st Italian League, AC Milan Single image Milan

George Weah (Milan) with the trophy for European Footballer of the Year 1995 Football Men's Serie A... George Weah (Milan) with the trophy for European Footballer of the Year 1995 Football Men's Serie A 1995 1996, 1st Italian League, AC Milan, single image Milan

Former football player and Liberia's main opposition leader (CDC), George Weah (R), presents his Ballon D'or trophy to Liberia's President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (C) during a Peace Initiative football match between African all stars and Liberian all stars on June 22, 2013 at the Samuel Doe stadium in Monrovia

In 1995, George Weah became the first African national to win the Ballon d'Or, a historic moment that challenged perceptions of African footballers and proved that talent knows no borders.

George Weah, the football legend who became the president of Liberia, grew up with his grandmother in Clara Town, one of Liberia’s most underdeveloped areas. His talent and determination provided a route out of Clara Town. Weah’s life changed at 21 when he caught the attention of Claude Le Roy while playing for Cameroonian club TKC Yaoundé. Le Roy tipped Arsène Wenger, leading Weah to Europe, where he played for AS Monaco, Paris Saint Germain, AC Milan, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Olympique Marseille. Throughout his career, Weah received multiple accolades, including FIFA World Player of the Year and the Ballon d’Or in 1995. Despite his achievements, Weah remained a man of the people, often paying out of his own pocket for the cash-strapped national football team to travel abroad. His generosity didn’t go unnoticed. Former teammate Thomas Kojo remarked, “The heart George has for Liberia is unbelievable. He made sure the national team always tried to bring home some pride.” Weah's philanthropic interest led him to become a UNICEF ambassador and engage in political networking before retiring from football. In 2005, Weah ran for president. Although he was popular, critics pointed to his political inexperience. He lost the election, but he didn’t give up. In 2017, Weah ran again and won, inspiring crowds with his vision for economic empowerment, drawing on his own experiences with poverty. He dismissed claims that, at 51, he was too inexperienced to lead. “Many critics said I wouldn’t make it. They suggested I would be a failure, but I didn’t listen. I kept pushing and defying all odds until I succeeded as one of the greatest football legends the world has ever produced. Today, those who said I would fail are now calling me ‘Chief’.”

PATRICK KLUIVERT, GEORGE WEAH SEASON 1997-98 LUIGI BERLUSCONI TROPHY MILAN-JUVENTUS

George Weah - 01.12.1995 - Onze d'or - Magazine - AC Milan

BALLON D'OR AFRICAIN 1994

George Weah, the football legend and Liberia's president, rose from poverty in Clara Town. After an impressive career in Europe, he became a UNICEF ambassador, ran for president, and ultimately inspired many with his resilience and vision for economic empowerment.