Former India men’s football captain Sunil Chhetri has become the first male participant in the second edition of FIFA’s Player Impact Programme, marking a significant expansion of the initiative beyond its original women-only format. Announced by FIFA on November 10, 2026, the programme brings together 13 international footballers to explore how their influence, public platforms and resources can contribute to positive social change.
Chhetri joined 10 other participants at a three-day Impact Accelerator Workshop in Boston, Massachusetts, in June. The initiative focuses on education, mental health and equitable access to sport, with participants receiving expert guidance to develop projects addressing challenges within their communities. Welcoming the opportunity, Chhetri said he was looking forward to putting the lessons into practice. The participants are scheduled to reconvene in London and through virtual sessions in December to present their social impact projects.
Beyond Football
The three-day Impact Accelerator Workshop in Boston brought together 11 of the programme’s 13 participants, including Chhetri, to explore how professional footballers can translate their influence into meaningful community initiatives. Through group discussions, practical exercises and expert-led sessions, the players shared personal experiences, identified causes close to their hearts and discussed ways to turn their ideas into actionable projects.
Speaking about his participation, Chhetri said, “I’m really happy that I got this opportunity. I cannot wait to put those lessons into practice.” Reflecting on working alongside female footballers from different countries, he added, “I don’t think there is a difference (between) a man and woman here, (we are) just meeting amazing personalities, some amazing top-class players from different countries.”
The programme provides participants with tailored guidance, resources and skills to develop initiatives that can create lasting benefits for their communities. Education, mental health and equal access to sporting opportunities are among the key areas being explored. FIFA has also highlighted the importance of helping athletes understand their existing influence and use it responsibly to support causes beyond their professional careers. The initiative aims to ensure that players’ contributions continue to make a difference long after their achievements on the football field.
FIFA Player Impact Programme driving positive social change ⚽️ Second edition of FIFA Player Impact Programme underway ⚽️ Thirteeen players receiving support to develop their own social impact initiatives ⚽️ Following the kickoff in Boston in June, participants will gather in London and virtually in December to present their projects 🗣️🗞️⤵️ https://t.co/7YYJruTfeY #FootballUnitesTheWorld
— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) November 10, 2026
Global Initiative
The FIFA Player Impact Programme builds on a female-only pilot launched in 2025. Its second edition has expanded to include 13 footballers from different countries, with Chhetri becoming the initiative’s first male participant. The international cohort includes Spain’s FIFA Women’s World Cup winner Alexia Putellas, Canada’s Jessie Fleming, England’s Michelle Agyemang, Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade, Brazil’s Gabi Nunes, Japan’s Hina Sugita, Zambia’s Racheal Kundananji and several other prominent players.
FIFA Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis, who met the participants during the Boston workshop, emphasised that athletes have an opportunity to build a legacy beyond their performances on the pitch. “But one of the questions we should all ask ourselves is: what legacy are we leaving beyond the game?” she said.
Highlighting the growing reach of athletes through social media and other public platforms, Ellis added that players have an opportunity to influence communities, create opportunities for others and drive meaningful change. She described this contribution as a legacy that can last well beyond the final whistle.
FIFA also noted that participants from the programme’s first edition went on to establish foundations, launch football academies and collaborate with non-profit organisations to address challenges they had experienced during their careers. The current cohort will continue developing its initiatives over the nine-month programme before reconvening in London and through virtual sessions in December to present their projects and share their progress.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Sunil Chhetri’s inclusion in FIFA’s initiative represents an important reminder that the influence of sportspersons extends far beyond stadiums, trophies and individual achievements. Athletes who command public attention have an opportunity to use their platforms to address inequalities, promote mental well-being, encourage education and make sporting opportunities accessible to those who are often excluded.
Equally encouraging is the programme’s emphasis on collaboration between men and women, demonstrating how shared experiences and collective efforts can overcome traditional boundaries. At a time when communities need greater empathy, inclusion and understanding, initiatives that turn sporting influence into meaningful social action deserve recognition. Ultimately, the true measure of an athlete’s legacy can also lie in the lives they help improve.
How can India’s celebrated sportspersons use their influence to create lasting positive change in society?
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