Sergio Marchi: "I cannot imagine football without a union"

At the 2025 FIFPRO General Assembly, player unions stood united on the principle that decisions affecting footballers must involve those with the legitimate mandate to represent them.

FIFPRO President Sergio Marchi himself underscored the willingness of the global player union to engage constructively with all governing bodies and competition organisers, so that players have a trusted voice at the decision-making table. Marchi, a former centre-back who spent his playing career in Argentina and Mexico, recently marked one year as FIFPRO President.

Following a successful Congress in Lisbon, Portugal, Marchi assessed the relationship between unions and the football industry, the importance of unity among footballers, the essential work of national players' associations and, after 60 years of existence, FIFPRO's outlook for the future.

FIFPRO: Why is unity among footballers so important for the future of the game?

Sergio Marchi: The message of unity is the message that has to exist among all of us footballers. We cannot do it alone; it is always better to do it together. That is the strength unions have when they stand united. Words have real power and can be a tool to transform situations that are wrong or that have gone on for too long.

What does FIFPRO see as the path forward when it comes to negotiating for players at the global level?

Sergio Marchi: FIFPRO believes in the power of the word as a tool for transformation. Dialogue is always the first path, and we are ready to sit at the table with every actor in football to build solutions that place players at the centre. But being open to negotiation does not mean being passive. When the rights of footballers are ignored or when regulations create injustice or harm, we stand tall and defend them with conviction. We choose to fight with our voices raised, with unity, and with the strength that comes from representing players collectively. That is how we protect the game and help it grow.

How would you define the contribution of the unions to the football industry?

Sergio Marchi: The union is very important because it understands the industry quickly and clearly. It supports and drives the industry and works to improve it. That is why all sectors of football, including confederations, national associations, leagues, clubs and the players at the centre, need to listen to each other, reach agreements and draw the best conclusions so that football continues to move forward. 

Looking at the room in Lisbon, what’s the feeling about the work done by unions in the day to day?

Sergio Marchi: Trade unions are on the front line. They respond quickly to players, assist them, support them and help them. And when we talk about footballers, we are not talking only about the stars or the elite. The elite can often resolve their own issues because of their status. But there are many others who make the game possible. That is where the union steps in to provide support, assistance, and solutions to contractual or professional problems.

As FIFPRO celebrates sixty years, how do you reflect on its history and future?

Sergio Marchi: The first thing we must do is recognise those who, sixty years ago, had the vision, strength and conviction to create a global organisation. FIFPRO is not only a global union; for me, it is a beacon of justice for football in the years to come. Looking ahead, my expectation is to continue growing. I cannot imagine football without a union because it would be a dehumanised sport. The union cares for human beings, protects athletes and helps the industry to expand.