Alphonso Davies
Alphonso Davies
Alphonso Davies signs Goodwill Ambassador contract for UNHCR at FC Bayern Munich's training ground.
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About Alphonso
In March 2021, Alphonso Davies became the first footballer and the first Canadian to be appointed as a Global Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR. Alphonso Davies is a left-back for FC Bayern Munich and the Canada Men’s National Football Team.
On appointment, Alphonso said: “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.”
Born in a refugee camp in Ghana to Liberian parents who fled the civil war in their home country, Alphonso knows first-hand what it means to be a refugee:
“Whilst the refugee camp provided a safe place for my family when they fled war, I often wonder where I would have been if I had stayed there and not benefited from the opportunities I got thanks to resettlement. I don’t think I would have made it to where I am today.”
Alphonso and his family resettled in Canada when he was five. Despite a challenging early start to life, Alphonso became a professional footballer at age 15 through dedication and discipline. He debuted for his national team only one year later, making him the youngest-ever player for Canada’s Men’s National Team. Fast forward to 2023, and Alphonso became the first Canadian footballer ever to score at a men’s World Cup.
Alphonso Davies signs Goodwill Ambassador contract for UNHCR at FC Bayern Munich's training ground.
Alphonso Davies posing for a childhood photo in Edmonton, Canada.
Alphonso Davies arrives for the DFB Cup semifinal match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Eintracht Frankfurt in Munich, Germany.
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Refugee inclusion through sport
Owing to his football background, Alphonso has shared his passion for using sport as a tool for refugee inclusion and to help those forced to flee to build a better future. He shared: “I want people to know about the importance of helping refugees, wherever they are, in camps or cities, in neighbouring 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.”
Alphonso has supported UNHCR using sport to strengthen private-sector partnerships, fundraise for key appeals, and amplify refugee voices globally. His proactive support for UNHCR prompted a $20,000 donation by his brand partner, Crocs, in 2023. This was followed by a strong message of support in July 2023 for the refugee participants competing in the UNHCR-UEFA Unity Cup.
In March 2022, he joined six footballers in a global appeal by UNHCR and the World Food Programme - Football 4 Ukraine - which called on fans of the game to stand together, unite as one team, and support people displaced from their homes by the war in Ukraine.
In September 2021, he took on the role of judge in the Together through Sport art contest for refugees. Moved by the talent of young refugees, Alphonso said, “It’s amazing to see the vision of these kids and how they perceive a united society”.
This was preceded by his participation in a livestream gaming tournament for refugees in 2020 alongside fellow UNHCR supporter and goalkeeper Asmir Begović to support UNHCR’s COVID-19 appeal.
Alphonso’s support for UNHCR is not limited to sports initiatives; he has also campaigned for increased access to quality education for refugees, supporting a Canadian government initiative, Together For Learning.
In November 2021, Alphonso met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who praised Alphonso for leveraging his high profile to support refugees as the first Canadian Goodwill Ambassador.
I want people to know about the importance of helping refugees, wherever they are, in camps or cities, 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.
Alphonso Davies' work as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador
News and highlights
Find the latest news and key highlights about Alphonso's work as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador.
Way to go, Alphonso. Thanks for using your voice and your platform for good with @UN @Refugees. Canadians across the country are proud - and I know even more people around the world are going to be inspired. https://t.co/SUizawX4WI
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 24, 2021
