Supporters United
“Everybody needs to wake up in the morning with a goal. That is the main thing. The Homeless World Cup brings this opportunity – to go training, to change your life.”
Eric Cantona, Ambassador, Homeless World Cup
"The Homeless World Cup is an event that can change the life of anyone, not simply to help them become a professional footballer, but so that they can become a man, in everyday life. So that they can develop with regard to today’s society, which is not an easy society for everyone and that means above all developing values, human values, which I think are very important."
Didier Drogba, Chelsea
"The Homeless World Cup brings thousands of players a phenomenal once in a lifetime opportunity to play football for their country and change their lives forever. The determination and tremendous human spirit expressed as they have the courage to take this opportunity and over come obstacles to create a new world, is true inspiration for us all. This is a powerful experience they will carry with them forever and never look back. They are real stars. Get into the Homeless World Cup. Participate in sport changing the world."
Ringo Starr, The Beatles
"The Homeless World Cup has shown that football is a powerful tool in changing peoples lives, and it's great that we can play a part in that."
Sir Alex Ferguson, Manager, Manchester United
"You love football. But how do you train if you are homeless? How do you travel to compete if you do not have a passport? Football is for everyone. Get into the Homeless World Cup. I do."
Rio Ferdinand, Manchester United and England
"Exactly when chaos comes into our life, is when we must never lose hope, we never must lose faith in holy love and wisdom. If we have faith, small that it is... one day... it goes to help us to transform our life. My life is an example of this! And one of the ways to show my gratitude is to extend and to share, when I can, my luck, with those who need it. Because I believe that this way, we will be able to create a happier, more just society. As my art is in my feet and not in my hands, it is with much honour that I associate the power of soccer to this noble, social cause."
Luis Figo, Inter Milan & Portugal, FIFA Player of the Year 2001
"Those who do not have a home need our help, support your national street soccer team. And players, maintain the excitement of victory for the whole game because up until the last minute there is always a chance of winning."
Luis Garcia, Liverpool & Spain, Champions League Winner 2005
"The Homeless World Cup is sport at its most powerful. Witness true passion, team spirit, grit and glory as 48 nations are united by one goal: to change the world. These are real stars with strength and courage to make real change. Wish them well. Cheer them on. Get into the Homeless World Cup."
Ian Botham, Former England cricketer and Ashes winner
“To open and to kick off the Homeless World Cup is a poignant moment for everyone. For all the players involved standing proud to represent their country and take courage to change their lives. And for sport as it demonstrates that grass roots soccer can change lives, change the world. I’m delighted to be involved in this sporting event, and invite you all to get into the Homeless World Cup!”
Eusébio da Silva Ferreira
“All over the world, I want to say, we've got to end homelessness. Everyone should have a home; it's a right and not a privilege. People treat the homeless as if they're sub-human. In order to overcome this discrimination, we have to unite against homelessness as we did when we fought apartheid.”
Desmond Tutu at the Cape Town 2006 Homeless World Cup
"Nelson Mandela created a new era for South Africa which we are all proud of. We are moving into a new phase. The staging of the 4th Homeless World Cup in South Africa is very significant. Will we take the opportunity to show the rest of the world that South Africa stands proud, and give everyone a taste of what it is in store for 2010.”
Mike Procter, one of South Africa's greatest ever cricketers
