A better football, a better future
A better football leads to a better future. Through innovation, collaboration, and game-changing initiatives, we unite leaders to drive lasting impact on and off the pitch.
Key figures
Every year, the community of football industry leaders connects at World Football Summit.
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Female leaders
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WFS and its Commitment to society
WFS and its
Commitment to society
2016
Planting the Seed
Launched our journey by using football as a tool for development.
Launched our journey by using football as a tool for development.
- Partnered with Street Football World to connect football with global development efforts.
- Organized pioneering panels spotlighting football’s role in social progress and development.
2017
Football for Good Begins
A year of bold firsts and purpose-driven partnerships.
A year of bold firsts and purpose-driven partnerships.
- Launched the first Women’s Football Summit in Madrid, championing equality and representation.
- Joined the Common Goal movement, pledging a share of WFS revenue to support global impact projects.
- Debuted the Football for Good Award at the inaugural WFS Awards, in collaboration with Common Goal, recognizing initiatives that use football to drive social change.
2018
Showcasing women leadership
A unique space to highlight female trendsetters in the sports industry.
A unique space to highlight female trendsetters in the sports industry.
- Established the first Female Leaders Interview Corner in our events in partnership with Women Experience Sports, a dedicated space to visibilise and empower women in the industry.
2019
Expanding our outreach
A year to reach newer audiences in booming continents.
A year to reach newer audiences in booming continents.
- Held our first WFS Asia in Malaysia, which included our StartUp Cup, a competition to empower future generations and entrepreneurs in sporstech.
2020
Live, Global, Impactful
WFS goes virtual—and gives back in a time of global crisis.
WFS goes virtual—and gives back in a time of global crisis.
- With the pandemic we went online and we have been streaming our events ever since to make it more accessible, wherever you are in the world.
- We donated WFS Live 1 profits to Fenômenos Foundation & Common Goal’s COVID-19 Relief Fund, supporting vulnerable communities affected by the pandemic.
2021
Recognition with Purpose
Honoring footballers who drive social change.
Honoring footballers who drive social change.
- We introduced the Marcus Rashford Award at the WFS Awards to celebrate athletes using their platform to fight inequality, promote education, and inspire systemic change—recognizing Rashford’s campaign against child food poverty as a symbol of football’s power beyond the pitch.
- Sofie Junge Pedersen and Mushaga Bakenga have won this prestigious award.
2022
Equality in Action
Setting new standards in gender equality and sports.
Setting new standards in gender equality and sports.
- Enforced 30% minimum female speakers (with Women in Football) and 20% minimum female attendees.
- Girls took over our WFS Europe event to play an exhibition match in partnership with FutboLISTAS.
2022
Change in Action
Setting new standards in gender equality and sports.
Setting new standards in gender equality and sports.
- Introduced Football Without Limits Award in partnership with Integrated Dreams to recognize organizations and individuals who promote inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities in football.
- Donated 20% of ticket revenue to Ukraine relief (with Common Goal).
- We held our 1st Carbon Zero Event in partnership with ClimateTrade & Forever Green.
2023
Raising the Bar
Deepening our impact on and off the field.
Deepening our impact on and off the field.
- Hosted Female Leaders Gatherings at WFS Europe & WFS Asia.
- We acquired our first Menina, the symbol of our Female Leaders Program, and kicked off her first tour in Seville.
- Launched our Female Leader Pass to support women claiming their place in the industry.
2023
A place for all
Unique games, unique times, unique initiatives.
Unique games, unique times, unique initiatives.
- Held the first The Most Inclusive Match – with a record breaking 1,740 people with disabilities at a LaLiga match.
- Our WFS Europe Volunteer Team included People with Disabilities for the first time.
- Donated 20% of our Football Innovation Forum’s revenue to Turkey’s earthquake victims.
2024
Purpose at Full Scale
A defining year for equity, impact, and sustainability.
A defining year for equity, impact, and sustainability.
- Held the 2nd Most Inclusive Match – Atlético vs Lille (UCL), in partnership with the Spanish Ministry for Inclusion, Social Security and Migration.
- Introduced WaterApp, replacing plastic bottles with bamboo canes for all speakers.
- Held our first Female Leaders Gathering in WFS Americas.
- We launched a Training Program in Las 3 Mil Viviendas in Sevilla with our Menina program.
2025
Scaling Impact. Shaping Tomorrow.
This year, we’re building deeper connections between football, climate, and communities.
This year, we’re building deeper connections between football, climate, and communities.
- Held Women 's Football Summit at San Mamés Stadium, Bilbao. One of the many activities which took place around Women’s Football Week BBK, a week to reflect on the values of women's football: inclusive, sustainable, and modern, a true catalyst for social change.
- Launched our Female Leaders Awards to recognize, celebrate, and elevate the women who are driving progress across the global football industry—highlighting outstanding leadership, breaking barriers, and inspiring the next generation of female talent in the game.
Keys areas Of work
Keys areas
Of work
Gender equality
On the pitch, in boardrooms, and beyond, we champion gender equality. Through initiatives like our Female Leaders Program or La Menina, we provide opportunities, visibility, and resources to drive real change. Together, we can shape an equitable game.
Inclusion
A truly global game leaves no one behind. We are committed to breaking down barriers to ensure it is accessible to everyone. Through initiatives like our The Most Inclusive Match, we promote diversity, representation, and equal opportunities at all levels of the sport.
Footprint
From reducing carbon footprints to promoting greener practices, we’re committed to making football a force for environmental good. Because sustainability is more than a goal—it’s the future of the planet.
Awards
Each year, we honor the talent, passion, and dedication of sports professionals who are shaping the future of the football industry. Their commitment extends beyond the field, driving social change, fostering unity, and inspiring future generations.
JoinThe movement
Join
The movement
Do you believe in better football too? Are you a champion of inclusion? A female leader? A green playmaker?
Then get in touch to join the global movement.