MIAMI, Florida – The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has announced that it has appointed Canadian Men’s National Team player Alphonso Davies as a Goodwill Ambassador, making Davies the first footballer and first Canadian to become a Global Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR.
“I am proud to join the UN Refugee Agency, as a Goodwill Ambassador. My own experiences make me want to speak up for refugees, to share their stories and to help make a difference,” said Davies in an official statement.
Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, spoke about the impact that Davies’ role will have on their efforts.
“Alphonso Davies personifies the power of sport and we are truly honored to have him joining us. Sport has the incredible power to bring hope, to heal and to help shape the future for those forced to flee. In our work with refugees we see daily what uplifting difference sports can make in their lives.
His personal story, his talent and triumph as a professional footballer and his commitment to help refugees is impressive. I am looking forward to working with him,” said Grandi.
Davies was born in a refugee camp in Ghana to Liberian parents before being resettled to Canada at age five. Ten years later, Davies made his professional debut with the Vancouver Whitecaps of Major League Soccer and at age 16, he became the youngest player to ever debut with the Canadian Men’s National Team.
Since then, Davies joined European giants Bayern Munich and has become widely regarded as one of the best left backs in the world. In 2020 he was named Bundesliga Rookie of the Season and was part of the Bayern Munich team that won the 2019-20 UEFA Champions League and the 2020 FIFA Club World Cup.
In his new role as UNHCR Global Goodwill Ambassador, Davies hopes to use the power of sport to enable a better future for refugees.
“I want people to know about the importance of helping refugees, wherever they are, in camps or cities, in neighboring countries or countries of resettlement such as Canada. Refugees need our support to survive, but also access to education and sports, so they can fulfil their potential and truly thrive,” concluded Davies.
