Bayern Munich’s Mats Hummels Pledges 1 Percent Of Salary To Charity

Two weeks ago, Manchester United’s Spanish midfielder Juan Mata announced his decision to support a collective fund named Common Goal that is run by streetfootballworld, a group of 120 charities in 80 countries.

Mats Hummels Charity Donation news

Mata called for ten other soccer players to form a ‘starting 11’ group of stars that pledged to donate a portion of their wages to one of the many charities that are part of Common Goal. The Spaniard was inspired to start this venture after witnessing poverty on a trip to Mumbai, India.

Now, Bayern Munich defender Mats Hummels has become the first player to join Mata’s cause.

The 28-year-old German revealed his pledge to donate 1 percent of his salary to a charity that supports global soccer initiatives for disadvantaged children.

“As soon as I heard of Common Goal I knew this was a chance for football to improve our world, and I wanted to be part of it,” said Hummels, who helped lead Germany to a World Cup victory in 2014. “I feel we could be doing more to connect the increasing revenues in football to some kind of deeper purpose. This is what struck me about Common Goal. Through the 1% pledge, we’re building a bridge between football and its social impact around the world.

“I believe that Common Goal can make a real and lasting impact. I’m putting the call out to all my fellow footballers: join Juan and me and help to take the game to the next level.”

Hummels joined Bayern, the Bundesliga champions, in May 2016 for about £30 million ($38 million at today’s rate).

Mata expressed how ecstatic he was to learn that the German star had decided to participate in his campaign.

“I don’t actually know Mats personally, so I was pleasantly surprised when he contacted me to talk Common Goal. He really gets what we’re trying to achieve and is the perfect team-mate to have on board at this early stage. The fact that a World Cup holder – at the peak of his career with one of the biggest clubs on the planet – has chosen to make the pledge shows the power and magic of what we’re doing.

“The reception to Common Goal has been amazing so far and I have no doubt Mats’ involvement will inspire more players to join.”

Among the charitable projects streetfootballworld uses the sport of soccer to help launch are gender equality in India, peace-building in Colombia and refugee integration in Germany.

MUNICH, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 05: Mats Hummels of FC Bayern Muenchen runs with the ball during the Bundesliga match between Bayern Muenchen and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at Allianz Arena on November 5, 2016 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images)