Adama Traoré to tackle racism in football: ‘It’s important I use my platform’

The Wolves winger Adama Traoré has said that “all too often in football the headlines are stolen by racist actions” as he joined Common Goal’s anti-racism project ARP.

The Spain international joins a long list of footballers and managers who have pledged 1% of their salary via Common Goal, the social impact movement in global football. There are more than 200 professional players and managers from 45 nationalities on the team, including Pernille Harder, Paulo Dybala, Vivianne Miedema, Jürgen Klopp, Serge Gnabry, Christiane Endler and Giorgio Chiellini.

Traoré said: “If I’ve learned anything in my career so far, it’s that leading with action rather than empty words is what counts in making a difference. I’ve become part of Common Goal in order to tackle racism through the anti-racist project. It’s important to me to use my platform to be part of the solution.

“I know that my 1% alone isn’t going to fix this problem, and my voice alone won’t solve systemic racism. But, if I can encourage others to join us in this fight, nothing can stand in the way of the impact we can make together. All too often in football the headlines are stolen by racist actions.”

ARP is an action-based programme aimed at ending racism in football though comprehensive anti-racism training for decision makers such as club owners and presidents, professional and grassroots coaches, players of all levels, and fans. ARP launched last year in the US with a coalition of industry leaders including clubs such as Chicago Fire, Angel City and Oakland Roots, plus professional players including the Manchester City and United States goalkeeper Zack Steffen, and also the largest fan group in the country, the American Outlaws.

After the success of ARP in North