An estimated 250 million people across the planet play football. We need more of them to be like Hector Bellerin.
The former Arsenal and Barcelona defender eschews the stereotypical footballer’s luxury car for his trip to the training ground in favour of travelling by bicycle or public transport.
Bellerin, aged 30, who now plays for Real Betis in the Spanish La Liga, regularly shares his views on sustainability with his 3.7 million followers on X (Twitter).
His impact has been such that he has been named global champion at the BBC Green Sport Awards.
“It would be easier to take a cab. I know I’m privileged, but it’s more of a revindication. We need green cities with fewer cars,” says Bellerin.
It goes much deeper than that for the Spanish international, who credits former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger with shaping his views on holistic living, which he believes chimes with sustainability.
“With sustainability comes empathy and compassion. They are all traits that you get when you decide to take care of the place that gives you life.”
Bellerin has made public appearances to advocate for climate action, is a vegan and doesn’t buy expensive designer clothing.
“I feel with power comes responsibility. I’ve been consuming second-hand clothes and shoes for a really long time. We’re constantly bombarded by advertising that creates a false sense of need,” he adds.
Betis started the Forever Green Foundation, which means the club operates in a more sustainable manner – for example, stadium seats were made from discarded fishing nets.
Bellerin does accept the contradiction in working within a football world that operates through global expansion and travel, and adds: “I’m just a football player but I can raise my voice against injustices and the things I think can be done better. If we as footballers had the courage to protest against certain things with the power that we have, I’m telling you the world would be a completely different place.”
Other footballers who have spoken out include Kai Havertz, Eric Dier and Norwegian international Mortin Thorsby. The latter founded the We Play Green initiative, which has inspired teammates to take action and help make the transition to a more sustainable world.
He said: “Throughout my life I have always had a strong connection to nature. My interest in environmental issues came when I was 18. I had a lot of time on my hands in between practicing and playing, so I decided to educate myself on the climate and environmental crises.
“Football has a massive role to play in mobilizing the masses. I hope that the influential and far-reaching voices of professional clubs and players join together to mobilize the global football family in supporting the ‘Green Shift’.”
It’s clear that football and its players can change the world and the likes of Hector Bellerin and Martin Thorsby are making the green voice louder, but the world’s richest sport must do much more.
