Hector Bellerin is a Spanish professional footballer who plays right-back or wing-back for Real Betis in La Liga. He is known for his field skills and his impactful actions and statements off the pitch concerning equality, climate change, and social justice.
Hector Bellerin on equality
Hector Bellerin is a well-known supporter of equality, especially in sports. He has openly discussed the importance of tackling discrimination and prejudice, such as racism and homophobia, in football. In addition, Bellerin has utilized his influence to draw attention to these problems and actively encourage inclusiveness and diversity in the sport.
His consistent efforts include speaking out and consistently supporting the LGBTQ community on and off the football pitch. He was one of the first to demand efforts to make the football community more inclusive back in 2021. He did not believe it was ready to “accept” gay players back then.
Climate Action
Bellerin has also demonstrated a strong commitment to climate action. He has been outspoken about the urgent need to address environmental issues and has taken personal steps towards sustainability.
He follows a vegan diet. In 2020, he planted 3,000 trees for every game his team – Arsenal – won in the last part of the season. Furthermore, he became a stakeholder at Forest Green Rovers, a football club playing in the FA League One division, whose goal is not just winning but to be the most sustainable club in the Football Association.
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In 2021, when H&M expressed its interest in working with Bellerin for a new clothing range, he set a firm request: make the entire collection from sustainable materials. The footballer then worked in collaboration with the H&M design team through all creative stages, giving his input on everything from the look of the collection to colors, graphics, and styling, always guided by his commitment to sustainability.
Additionally, he has partnered with organizations and initiatives that work towards environmental preservation, furthering his efforts to combat climate change and promote a greener future.
As you can see in the tweet below, Hector Bellerin is not afraid to speak out about this matter!
Imagine there's still people who believe global warming is not a real problem for us 😭 https://t.co/auz4ZvC3aR
— Héctor Bellerín (@HectorBellerin) July 24, 2018
Bellerin’s engagement in these discussions showcases his dedication to making a positive impact beyond the football pitch and his understanding of the broader societal challenges that must be addressed for a better and more equitable world.
The fact that he put so much effort into these, is inspiring for other athletes to do the same. The issues of equity, social justice, and climate change can no longer be ignored, not even by football players and fans.
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by Impakter.com columnists are their own, not those of Impakter.com In the Featured Photo: Hector Bellerin. Featured Photo Credits: Real Betis.
