Union Impact Award: Get to know the nominees

• Five player unions have been nominated for the 2025 FIFPRO Union Impact Award, recognising initiatives that strengthen player welfare and inspire solidarity across the global football community
• The winner will be chosen by FIFPRO member unions during the General Assembly in Lisbon, Portugal, on 18-20 November
• This year’s nominees highlight the power of collective action – from supporting players’ mental health and education to promoting equality, inclusion, and social engagement

During the upcoming FIFPRO General Assembly, member associations will vote to select the winner of the 2025 Union Impact Award.

Every day, more than 70 player unions affiliated with FIFPRO work to improve the wellbeing of professional footballers worldwide. Many of these player associations lead their own initiatives to protect and empower footballers – and through the Union Impact Award, FIFPRO honours those whose projects not only support their members but inspire fellow unions across the globe.

Get to know the five nominees for the 2025 Union Impact Award, recognised for their outstanding projects that strengthen and inspire the global football community.

Chile (SIFUP): Supporting a player in need – #TodosXCris

Chilean player union SIFUP supported goalkeeper Cristobal Campos after a life-changing accident that ended his playing career, offering mental health, legal, financial, and educational assistance. The union also organised a charity match and used his story to raise awareness about mental health and player welfare across Chilean football.

France (UNFP): Solidarity Committee 

French player union UNFP created a Solidarity Committee of nine active and former players (led by Robert Pires) to oversee a €500,000 fund supporting player-led initiatives. Focused on social aid, career development, and community projects, the committee has already examined 100 proposals and funded 50, directly improving the lives of players and their communities.

Greece (PSAPP): Strengthening women’s football 

Greek player union PSAPP has become the leading organisation supporting women’s footballers in Greece, offering education, legal and mental health support, insurance assistance, and visibility campaigns. With 265 players now members and 20 enrolled in co-funded study programmes, PSAPP continues to strengthen women’s football through impactful projects, including a recent documentary premiere.

Japan (JPFA): Bringing hope to ill children and families 

Japanese player union JPFA visited all 12 Ronald McDonald Houses across Japan, where 53 players from 17 teams met with ill children and families to bring hope and encouragement during treatment. Led by vice-chairman and former Japan national team goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda, the initiative highlights JPFA’s commitment to social responsibility and the power of football to uplift communities beyond the pitch.

Portugal (SJPF): Empowering women footballers 

Portuguese player union (SJPF) organised its first training camp for out-of-contract women players, held alongside the men’s camp under equal professional working conditions. Focused on player development, education, and the growth of women’s football, the initiative saw 30 participants, with 27 successfully earning contracts after the camp.

How were the nominees selected and how will the winner be decided?

The nominees for the 2025 Union Impact Award were chosen by a selection committee representing FIFPRO’s global network and partners. The committee included regional division representatives Terry Ouko (Africa), Steven Bryce (Central and North America), Gamadiel Garcia (South America), Izham Ismail (Asia/Oceania), and Mila Hristova (Europe), alongside Erica Puppo (FIFPRO EDI Manager), Chinyelu Asher (Jamaica international), Johanna Omolo (2019 Merit Award Winner), and Diana Maggiore (ITUC).

Together, they reviewed union initiatives worldwide to identify the projects making the strongest impact on players and their communities.

FIFPRO member associations will vote to select the winner of the 2025 Union Impact Award during the upcoming FIFPRO General Assembly in Lisbon, Portugal on 18-20 November.