Andreas Tettey is a multifaceted personality with a strong presence even off the field.
That is precisely why the Panathinaikos international forward won the 2025 FIFPRO Footballers’ Activism Award!
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
On the occasion of receiving this award, Tetei gave an interview to the FIFPRO website, in which he addressed a number of social issues.
The 25-year-old forward spoke about the fight against racism and the integration of refugees, while also explaining the story behind dedicating the goal he scored against Viktoria Plzeň to a child he had met who was fighting his own battle with cancer.
Here are Tetei’s remarks in full:
“This award came at a crazy time in my life. My focus was mainly on my transfer and playing for Greece, but for me, this award had a different meaning. It reminded me that being a soccer player also comes with responsibility.
As your career progresses, your voice reaches more people. Now, if I address issues like racism, discrimination, or mutual support, more people will hear me than before. That doesn’t change who I am, but it makes me think even more carefully about how I use this platform.
Winning this award also allowed me to receive a grant to fund a social project. I knew from the start that I wanted to use it to create something that would bring people together.
In collaboration with the Greek Footballers’ Association (PSAPP), we’re organizing a soccer tournament for refugee children. The idea is simple: to spend a day playing soccer, get to know the players, receive jerseys, and create memories that will last long after the event.
Last season, I met a little boy battling cancer after he found out I was his favorite player. I went to visit him secretly because I wanted to surprise him. There were no cameras or social media posts. We spent some time together. I gave him one of my jerseys, and we chatted. Then I asked him what celebration he’d like me to do if I scored a goal.
He chose the letter M, the first letter of his first name. When I scored against Viktoria Plzeň in the Europa League, I made that gesture in front of the camera and dedicated the goal to him. Later, people figured out what it meant, but that was never the point. The point was what his father told me later. He explained how that moment had given his son and the whole family renewed courage during an incredibly difficult time.”
*photo source: KYPE
