The Good Footballer: Morten Thorsby
Have you ever met a footballer who is also an environmentalist?
Hey there!
It's time to bring “The Good Footballer” series back and spotlight another athlete who is helping bring The Good Football to life. Meet Morten Thorsby.
The good profile
Morten Thorsby plays as a midfielder for Genoa CFC and the Norwegian national team, having previously played for clubs such as Union Berlin, Sampdoria, and Heerenveen.
On his social media platforms and website, you will also see the word environmentalist used to describe him, and below, you can find the evidence of why.
The good evidence
Thorsby has been advocating for sustainability for years now, getting involved in different ways and receiving various awards and recognitions for his efforts. It was an article he read in 2015 that kickstarted his journey as an environmentalist.
In 2020, he founded “We Play Green”, a non-profit foundation that mobilizes professional players and fans to support the transition toward a sustainable world.
Morten Thorsby has leveraged his role as a footballer to generate impact within the clubs he plays for or has played for. At Heerenveen, for example, he convinced the club to buy bikes for the players and joined a working group to help the institution become more sustainable. Recently, Genoa CFC joined him, “We Play Green”, and Ogyre on a litter-picking day along the coast of Liguria, which was then shared on the club's Instagram page.
In 2021, Thorsby adopted #2 as his jersey number to raise awareness about the United Nations’ goal of keeping global warming below two degrees Celsius.
Thorsby became a European Climate Pact Ambassador in 2022
In 2022, We Play Green was among more than 20 major sports organisations, including the International Olympic Committee, which joined the Sports for Nature Framework.
“It was made very clear to me by my father that the better footballer I become, the better I can help my organization achieve its mission of mobilizing the global football family and encouraging other players to join and also use their voices. So, on the pitch, I always try to be the best player I can be.” Morten Thorsby
🌟 Extra evidence 🌟
Thorsby frequently uses his social media platforms to raise awareness of climate and environmental issues as well as other important and current topics, like the EU and regional elections.
He was a guest on our known and beloved Hector Bellerín's podcast.
The good effect
Morten Thorsby is crafting a solid personal brand with a clear purpose and is a trailblazing case of an athlete with a clear positioning strategy outside the pitch, too.
The 2021 FIFPro Player Activism Award, BBC Green Sport Young Athlete of the Year, and Forever Green's 2024 Award are some of the tangible recognition that Thorsby has been awarded for his activism and efforts so far. But his impact extends beyond that and will most likely continue to grow as a reflection of the consistency and intentionality behind his words and actions.
The “We Play Green” platform is growing its number of professional footballers onboard under the leadership of Thorsby and his team, and it is definitely worth it to keep a close watch on his next steps as a leading voice to fight climate change through the power of football.
“Football has a massive role to play in mobilizing the masses. (…) The 5 billion members of the football family include the businesses, sponsors, industries, and decision-makers that can implement the solutions necessary to save the climate and the environment. There just needs to be a mass movement to implement these solutions, which is exactly where football can come in.” Morten Thorsby
Before I go, I want to send a special thanks to the new paid subscribers onboard!
I feel honoured, encouraged, and super excited to craft new and more in-depth content for you. Good things are coming! 👀
THE GOOD LINKS
👏 This interview with Khalida Popal, who is building The Good Football with her own hands. Found on
.🔵 This incredible initiative by Chelsea FC and Versus.
🌳 Palmeiras’ special edition jersey that brings awareness to deforestation.
🤝 When Denmark's men's team refused a pay raise in favour of the women's team receiving equal pay.
🫀 This powerful campaign, seen on
.
praying for a long and successful career so he can continue to touch more people and generate more impact in organizations!