Homeless World Cup Foundation Partners with Skechers Football for Oslo 2025 homeless world cup
The Homeless World Cup Foundation today (Thursday 21st August) announces Skechers Football as an Official Sponsor of the Oslo 2025 Homeless World Cup August, marking a special collaboration for the tournament’s 20th edition.
The partnership includes a donation of 700 pairs of Skechers Football boots—ensuring that every player competing in Oslo has access to high-quality, technical footwear with the the brand’s signature Comfort That Performs on the pitch.
The boots and donation are a gift that celebrates Skechers’ recent signing of Queens Park Rangers striker Richard Kone – whose personal and professional journey embodies the spirit of the Homeless World Cup.
Richard represented Ivory Coast at the Cardiff 2019 Homeless World Cup, where his talent and determination shone through. Following the tournament, he burst onto the scene in non-league football before earning a place in Wycombe Wanderers’ starting XI, where he helped the team reach the play-offs last season. Now with the Queens Park Rangers starting this season, Richard’s rise from the Homeless World Cup to professional football, which includes League One’s PFA Young Player and Player of the Year, is a powerful testament to the tournament’s transformative impact.
Richard Kone said:
“Playing at the Homeless World Cup in Cardiff in 2019 was life changing. It gave me the platform to grow and set me on the career path to where I am today playing in the Championship with QPR. Representing Skechers on the pitch with the chance to give back by donating Skechers Football boots to all the players heading to Oslo this month is a real privilege and I’m grateful to be in the position to do it. I know how powerful this tournament can be, and I want every player to feel the same hope and opportunity that I experienced six-years ago."
Richard at the 2019 Homeless World Cup in Cardiff where he represented his country on the global stage
Mel Young, President of the Homeless World Cup Foundation, said:
“We’ve been tracking Richard’s career ever since Cardiff 2019. Partnering with him and Skechers Football for this 20th edition in Oslo is a wonderful touch. It’s a great testament to our sport and our tournament – and a reminder that the Homeless World Cup is the real deal. As we work to change perceptions of homelessness, Richard is doing an incredible job on and off the pitch.”
David Weinberg, Chief Operating Officer of Skechers, said: “The Homeless World Cup illustrates the power of sport to change lives and Skechers will be there to ensure every player, no matter their background or resources, will have the chance to lace up in Skechers Football boots to help them perform their best at this important tournament. This was also the perfect time to partner with Richard Kone as his inspiring story and success will resonate with fans as well as players from around the world as they take the pitch in Oslo.”
The Oslo 2025 Homeless World Cup takes place from 23–30 August at Rådhusplassen Square in the heart of Norway’s capital, beside the Nobel Peace Centre. The event will feature 63 teams from 48 nations and more than 500 players, competing in a celebration of resilience, inclusion, and the power of sport to change lives.
The full range of Skechers Football boots are available at Skechers websites, select Skechers stores, as well as specialty football retailers throughout Europe and markets around the world. Football fans can get behind-the-scenes access to Skechers Football product launches and more by following @skechersfootball on Instagram and TikTok.