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Bayern Munich left-back and Canada international Alphonso Davies has become the first professional footballer to be name an official Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Davies, of course, has a strong connection to social causes given the amazing story of his life. Born in a refugee camp in Ghana to Liberian parents, Davies’ family eventually was able to relocate to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada where he eventually made a name for himself as a football prodigy:
I’m honoured to become a Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR and to speak up for @refugees everywhere. I have come a long way from the refugee camp where I was born & worked hard to get where I am today. But I'll never forget where I started. #AD19⚡️ pic.twitter.com/kfR1yHSAf3
— Alphonso Davies (@AlphonsoDavies) March 24, 2021
When asked by ESPN about why he balances his commitment to social causes with his football career, Davies reflected on why he thinks his story is so important for others to hear.
“I believe my personal story can help make a difference in people’s lives. It makes me work harder and I’ll never forget where I come from. Being a refugee is part of my story and I’m happy to share everything about it,” said Davies. “It motivates me each and every day to be who I am, to reach out to people, to tell them that there’s hope and help others be aware of what the situation is. I want to be a role model to other refugees as well. For them to look at me and see there’s hope. To let them know if we believe in ourselves, we can make it. I really want to raise awareness and open people’s eyes to the situation that is going on around the world.”
To read the whole interview Davies had with ESPN, click here.