The 2018 FIFA World Cup will largely be remembered for the unexpected ecstasy and commotion it has bought to the nation. It’s a real underdog story, as England’s third youngest World Cup squad ever excelled in a tournament packed with shock and disbelief as the Goliaths of the game fell around them.
Although it’s easy to get caught up in the ‘It’s Coming Home’ joy and jubilation, Viral Seeding have paused for breath and taken a look at the bigger picture, demonstrating the real beauty of the World Cup. So many beautiful stories have arisen from the tournament: Gareth Southgate’s zero to hero status and the incredible life story of Raheem Sterling to name just a couple.
Here we celebrate the social good which has come of this World Cup, with four heart-warming stories.
With another Semi-Final to go tonight, the Third Place Play-Off on Saturday and, of course, the Final on Sunday we hope to find many more heart-warming moments going viral over the next few days!
Disabled Colombian Fan Experiences World Cup
After losing the ability to see and hear at the age of nine, blind and deaf Colombian fan Jose Richard Gallego captured every moment of Colombia’s World Cup campaign thanks to his best friend, Cesar Daza. Cesar learned sign language and created football specific hand gestures so that his friend could experience the ups and downs of the tournament along with the rest of his country.
Walker Reaches Out To Thai Cave Wild Boars
Yesterday it was announced that after almost three weeks trapped deep in a cave in Northern Thailand, all 12 of the Wild Boars football team and their coach had been rescued.
In England’s greatest World Cup for 28 years, centre-back Kyle Walker could be excused for isolating himself from the world. However, the Manchester City man has used the powers of social media for social good, searching for an address to be able to send a supply of his shirts to the boys out in Thailand – a real role model of the sport displaying generosity in a time when a selfish mentality could be forgiven. What a lift it will give these young boys after their ordeal.
Mbappe Donates His Wages To Premiers De Cordees
19-year-old French superstar Kylian Mbappe may well be remembered for lighting up this World Cup, guiding France to their first Final since 2006 after a threatening display against Belgium last night.
But his true character has shown off the field, donating all of his wages to the Premier De Cordees Association who introduce sports to hospitalised children. According to L’Equipe, each player earns 20,000 euros per World Cup appearance, meaning Mbappe will earn 140,000 euros for the association (assuming he will play in the Final). This figure could then grow by 300,000 euros as a result of a bonus should France win the tournament – totalling 440,000 euros.
Iconic Sporting Moment – No To Racism
Football has had its battle with racism for too many years, and on the grandest stage of them all in front of millions around the world, this significant moment was captured.
A team of 11 black players versus a team of 11 white players, almost unheard of in the modern game. However, in the heat of a fiercely competitive and crucial game between Poland and Senegal, this humble display of etiquette was captured epitomising what the game and indeed sport is all about.
About Viral Seeding
Viral Seeding is a specialist content seeding and influencer marketing agency.
We offer a personal service, taking the time to understand your campaign requirements to execute a strategy that ensures that we deliver views, engagement, endorsement and sharing via social media.
Viral Seeding has worked on social good campaigns such as Testicular Cancer NZ, Greenpeace and The Syria Campaign in the past. If you think your organisation could benefit from working with us in the future please get in touch.
Will Wood
Will is the Head of Sport Content at Viral Seeding. In addition to his degree in Sport Marketing, Will has worked with brands such as; Red Bull, adidas and Harlequins Rugby Club on marketing and communications campaigns. Away from work, he is a keen rugby union player with a passion for health and fitness and karaoke.
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