David Wheeler, former Wycombe Wanderers midfielder and one of football’s most vocal environmental advocates, believes climate change is increasingly affecting the game, saying it is “becoming much more obvious to players and increasingly a topic of conversation”.
Wheeler, who is the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) sustainability champion, believes the sport has a responsibility to do more.
“Unfortunately, I don’t think the major governing bodies and organizations are really taking this responsibility seriously at the moment,” he says.
“These organizations do not deserve to profit from the sport if they do not use their power for the betterment of the sport.”
Wheeler also wants footballers to use their platform more to speak out on environmental issues.
“It could have a huge impact,” he said. “But it’s also important that clubs and supporters groups isolate players as well, because there’s going to be that inevitable backlash that they’re being hypocrites.
“The majority of us are hypocrites to some extent. We’re not perfect and that’s okay, as long as we try to do everything we can.”
Real Betis defender Hector Bellerin is one player who is not shy about using his platform to advocate for environmental issues.
Speaking after being named world champion at the recent BBC Green Sport Awards, he said it was not easy to promote sustainability in a sport increasingly defined by global expansion.
“It’s tough,” he said, referring to the 2026 World Cup. “I don’t make the decisions and I’m very aware of how the industry works. But I’m not going to stop doing what I love because of the decisions made at the top.
“We players often feel like we’re treated like numbers or marketable goods. There are more games, more travel, tougher conditions. And we’re just told to hydrate,” the former Arsenal player added.
“Unless footballers around the world come together – whether that means stopping or making bold decisions – the wheel will continue to turn,” he said.
