The international players’ association’s umbrella organization Fifpro has awarded the Finnish national team’s all-time top scorer, Linda Sällström, with a heavy award. She is awarded for her activism in football.
In the justification, Fifpro writes that the striker works for human rights, that she opposes injustice in sports and that she fights against racism.
Facts. These are rewarded by Fifpro
Player Activism Award: Linda Sällström, Vittsjö and Finland
Player Impact Award: Andre Onana, Manchester United and Cameroon
Player Voice Award: Ga-Ae Kang, Sejong Sports Toto och Sydkorea
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Sällström has made a name for himself as a person who dares to think and point out injustices.
– I have realized that as an athlete I have a platform and that I am some kind of role model. I can use my voice in a way that many others don’t have the opportunity to. For me, those who work in silence and whom no one knows are the great heroes, says Sällström from Edinburgh, where the national team is charging for a double match against Scotland.
Match number one is played on Friday in Scotland, the return leg in Helsinki on Tuesday. The winner advances to the European Championship finals in Switzerland in July.
Sällström and her teammates in Vittsjö, with whom she also has a contract for the 2025 season, were heckled during the past season. An unwelcome phenomenon that has become increasingly common.
What is it due to?
– I think it reflects the world and society from a broader perspective. We are heading in the wrong direction. We should all fight to make everyday life and the future better, but instead there are strong and dark forces that take up more and more space, says Sällström.
“It couldn’t get much worse,” says Linda Sällström about Finland’s pro-Russian Nations League draw. Photo: Marcio Machado/TT
Sällström is not the only one to feel anxiety over the world political situation, which is more charged than in a very long time with wars and conflicts in many places, not least in Ukraine, which Russia has mercilessly bombed to shreds and pieces for almost three years.
A Russia that in Belarus has a faithful ally in the war of invasion. A Belarus that was drawn into the same Nations League group next year together with Finland. Other countries in the group are Serbia, a very pro-Russian country, and Hungary, which has moved towards an increasingly totalitarian direction under President Viktor Orban.
– It was a real jackpot for the raffle. It couldn’t get much worse.
How hard is it to follow the news in today’s situation?
– It’s so depressing that you hardly want to watch the TV news anymore. But we have to believe that it will turn for the better some day. And if I can help a little, I will do everything I can, says Sällström.
(in a sarcastic tone, à la Jimmy Carr) Oh, wonderful! Another award ceremony, and this time, it’s for being a good egg! Linda Sällström, the Finnish national team’s all-time top scorer, has been awarded the Player Activism Award by Fifpro. I mean, who doesn’t love a good award? It’s not like she’s just a great footballer or anything. No, no, she’s also a saint! (wink)
(in a silly, exaggerated tone, à la Rowan Atkinson) But seriously, folks, Linda Sällström is a remarkable person. Not only has she got a mean left foot, but she’s also got a heart of gold! She fights for human rights, opposes injustice in sports, and is a vocal advocate against racism. I mean, what more could you ask for in a footballer? It’s like she’s a superhero, minus the cape and the ability to fly (although, I hear she’s quite agile on the pitch).
(in a dry, witty tone, à la Ricky Gervais) Now, I know what you’re thinking. “What’s the criteria for this award?” Well, apparently, it’s for being a good person and all that jazz. But let’s be real, folks. We all know the real reason she won this award. It’s because she’s Finnish. I mean, have you seen their accents? It’s like they’re speaking a different language or something! (laughs)
(in a more serious tone, à la Lee Evans) But in all seriousness, Linda Sällström is an inspiration to us all. She’s using her platform to make a difference, and that’s something we should all aspire to. I mean, think about it. We’re all just a bunch of humans trying to make our way in this crazy world. And if we can use our talents and our voices to make a positive impact, then that’s something to be proud of.
So, congratulations to Linda Sällström on her well-deserved award! May she continue to kick ass on the pitch and off it, fighting for what’s right and just.
And on a side note, (in a cheeky tone) I hope she doesn’t get too carried away with all the awards and accolades. I mean, we don’t want her to start thinking she’s some kind of footballing Mother Teresa! (wink)
The international players’ association Fifpro has awarded Finnish national team’s top scorer Linda Sällström with a prestigious award, recognizing her outstanding contributions as a football activist, particularly in the areas of human rights, opposing injustice in sports, and fighting against racism.
The justification for this award, as stated by Fifpro, highlights Sällström’s tireless efforts to promote human rights, challenge injustices within the sports industry, and combat racism, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to creating a more equitable and just environment for all athletes.
Facts. These are rewarded by Fifpro
Player Activism Award: Linda Sällström, Vittsjö and Finland, honoring her remarkable activism and dedication to human rights.
Player Impact Award: Andre Onana, Manchester United and Cameroon, acknowledging his significant influence on the sport.
Player Voice Award: Ga-Ae Kang, Sejong Sports Toto and South Korea, recognizing her courageous voice in advocating for athletes’ rights.
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Linda Sällström has established herself as a fearless and outspoken individual who consistently challenges injustices and promotes positive change, leveraging her platform as an athlete to raise awareness and inspire others.
– As an athlete, I have come to realize the significance of my platform and the responsibility that comes with being a role model. I strive to utilize my voice to advocate for those who may not have the same opportunities, and I believe that the true heroes are those who work tirelessly behind the scenes, often without recognition, says Sällström from Edinburgh, where the Finnish national team is gearing up for a crucial double match against Scotland.
The first match is scheduled to take place on Friday in Scotland, followed by the return leg in Helsinki on Tuesday, with the winner advancing to the European Championship finals in Switzerland in July. Sällström’s team, Vittsjö, with whom she has a contract until 2025, faced heckling during the previous season, an unfortunate phenomenon that has become increasingly prevalent in recent times.
What are the underlying causes of this trend?
– In my opinion, it reflects the broader societal issues that we are currently facing. It appears that we are heading in the wrong direction, and instead of striving to create a better world, we are allowing dark forces to gain more influence. I firmly believe that we should all work together to promote positivity and create a brighter future, says Sällström.
“It couldn’t get much worse,” says Linda Sällström about Finland’s pro-Russian Nations League draw. Photo: Marcio Machado/TT
Linda Sällström is not alone in her concerns about the global political situation, which has become increasingly tense with ongoing wars and conflicts in various regions, including the devastating conflict in Ukraine, where Russia has been engaging in relentless bombing campaigns for almost three years.
Belarus, a loyal ally of Russia in the war of invasion, was drawn into the same Nations League group as Finland for the upcoming season. Other countries in the group include Serbia, a strong supporter of Russia, and Hungary, which has been shifting towards a more totalitarian regime under the leadership of President Viktor Orban.
– The group draw was a highly unfortunate outcome, with Finland being pitted against some of the most challenging opponents. It’s difficult to imagine a more daunting scenario.
How challenging is it to stay informed about current events in today’s complex world?
– It’s becoming increasingly disheartening to watch the news, but I believe it’s essential to stay informed and engaged. I remain hopeful that things will eventually take a turn for the better, and I’m committed to doing my part in contributing to positive change, says Sällström.
