When big stars give back to their fellow human beings
Millions, trophies, and fame have their own value. But there is something much greater: remembering those in need and using your power to help them. There are athletes who have achieved it all. They’ve lifted trophies, signed contracts worth hundreds of millions, and experienced adulation in packed stadiums. There is, however, another side to their success—one that isn’t captured in statistics, isn’t measured in titles, and doesn’t necessarily require applause. It is the moment when a person of financial means decides to stand by someone who lacks even the bare necessities. Because the true greatness of an athlete lies not only in what they achieve within the four lines of the field, but also in what they offer beyond them.
There are many touching examples of this all over the world.
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Mohamed Salah has never forgotten Egypt or his village, Nagrig, where he got his start. The soccer superstar has donated significant sums to support hospitals, purchase medical equipment, fund water supply projects, and combat the pandemic. He has supported people facing financial difficulties, proving that success does not necessarily mean turning your back on your roots.
Sadio Mané is perhaps one of the most striking examples. The Senegalese soccer player funded the construction of a school and a hospital in his village, Babali. He has also supported infrastructure projects and provided financial assistance to families in the area. He once explained that he didn’t need to own luxury cars and expensive watches when his fellow countrymen lacked basic necessities. He had experienced poverty firsthand and did not want to forget those who continued to live in it.
Didier Drogba, one of the greatest soccer players in the history of Ivory Coast, established his own foundation, supporting the construction of schools, medical centers, the provision of medicines, and care for mothers and children. His goal was to offer his compatriots something far more important than temporary financial aid: access to healthcare and education.
On the other side of the Atlantic, LeBron James chose to invest in the future of the children in the city where he grew up, Akron. Through the I PROMISE program, he established a school and a broader support network that offers educational opportunities, scholarships, psychological and family support, and even housing solutions for people facing hardships. More than 1,500 students and their families have benefited from his foundation’s initiatives.
Marcus Rashford, for his part, spearheaded a major campaign in the UK against child hunger during the pandemic. He fought to ensure that children from low-income families continued to receive free meals even when schools were closed. His efforts helped bring about a change in government policy and expanded support to thousands of families.
Roger Federer established a foundation focused on children’s education, primarily in South Africa and Switzerland. According to his figures, more than 3.8 million children have benefited from his initiatives. Michael Jordan has donated millions of dollars to health, education, social support, and Make-A-Wish, fulfilling hundreds of wishes for children facing serious illnesses.
Serena Williams has supported educational initiatives in Kenya, emphasizing children’s ability to gain access to schooling. David Beckham, through the 7 Fund in partnership with UNICEF, has contributed to international efforts to protect children from violence, hunger, child labor, and social exclusion.Novak Djokovic established his own foundation with the primary goal of providing educational opportunities to children from vulnerable social groups in Serbia. Lionel Messi, through his foundation and his partnership with UNICEF, has supported health and education programs for children in various countries. Kylian Mbappé is actively involved in supporting the organization Premiers de Cordée, which offers sports activities to children who are hospitalized or living with disabilities.
Even athletes from different sports have turned their personal success into social contributions. Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh, having battled cancer himself, founded YouWeCan, a foundation that supports patients, funds treatments, and promotes prevention. It has helped hundreds of children with cancer. His compatriot, Shahin Tendulkar, has, together with his wife, established a foundation that supports children in the areas of health, education, and sports. His programs report that more than 110,000 lives have been supported. Manny Pacquiao, the legendary boxer from the Philippines, donated 3.5 hectares of land in his home country, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, to build 200 to 250 homes for families in need of shelter.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is another prime example. He has not forgotten the hardships his family faced. Through the Charles Antetokounmpo Family Foundation, he participated in a $1 million initiative in 2024 to support ten nonprofit organizations in Milwaukee. The assistance addressed basic needs such as housing, food, health, and education.
In Cyprus, a notable effort that combines sports with social giving is Charity Idols Cyprus. Since 2022, the charitable organization has been harnessing the power of sports memorabilia by hosting online auctions featuring autographed or game-worn jerseys and other collectibles from athletes. The proceeds are used to support charitable organizations, children, adults, and families facing serious hardships. In fact, in 2024, approximately 25,000 euros were raised, which were distributed among 30 charitable causes. With the support of the Cyprus Footballers’ Association and the participation of athletes, it has been proven that even a jersey can take on a value far greater than its collectible worth: it can be transformed into help, hope, and a smile for one of our fellow human beings.
All of this is not merely the result of donations from famous people. They are schools opening their doors, hospitals acquiring equipment, children gaining access to education, and families securing a meal or a roof over their heads. And often, the greatest contribution isn’t the one that makes the most noise, but the one made quietly, without asking for anything in return. It is precisely at this point that the story of Tassos Hatzigiannis takes on special significance.
The OFI soccer player was honored by the PSAPP with the Humanity Award for donating 12,500 euros to help young Dimitris-Othon, a child who was fighting his own difficult battle with cancer. Unfortunately, the child did not survive. Hatzigiannis was visibly moved as he accepted the award. He made it clear that he did not make the donation to gain publicity or to receive an award. His sole intention, as he said, was to help a child live. He then shared a message that we should all keep in mind: “Let’s not close our hearts.” At the same time, he emphasized the need to be careful and to ensure that aid reaches its intended destination. This point takes on particular significance following the revelations regarding the “Paidiki Chara” NGO case. Instead of being used to meet the needs of children and their families, significant sums of money allegedly ended up funding the personal expenses and lavish lifestyles of those involved. Among those who believed they were helping children in need were figures from the world of sports, such as the Greek international soccer player and Maria Sakkari.
This is where the real tragedy lies. It is not just about the financial deception of people who wanted to give. It is about the exploitation of the suffering of children and parents who are going through one of the most difficult moments of their lives. For people who are hoping for some financial relief and discover that someone has used their distress for personal gain. This, however, must not lead us to the opposite extreme. To be afraid to help. To question every appeal for support. To turn our backs on people who are truly in need. That would be a second victory for those who exploit human compassion. We need transparency, oversight, accountability, and accurate information. We need to know who is collecting the money, where it’s going, and who ultimately benefits. Charity cannot operate in the dark.
But above all, we must not lose our humanity. You don’t have to be a millionaire to make a difference. You don’t have to be named Messi, Salah, or Antetokounmpo. You can help with whatever you have—your time, a small financial contribution, an act of kindness, or simply standing by someone who feels alone. Because no one is immune to hardship. Today, we may be the ones offering help, and tomorrow, we may be the ones who need a helping hand.
