UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Sir David Beckham meets children in India and champions equality, empowerment and opportunity

Mumbai, 28 November 2025 – UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Sir David Beckham met children and young people during a visit to India this week, and called for equal opportunities, inclusion and empowerment for every child.

Sir David Beckham said, “I am humbled by the drive, resilience and passion of the children and young people I met today who are fighting for change at an early age and having a say in their future. They are truly inspirational and have conquered many challenges to be where they are today. Their journey is an important reminder that we must continue investing in children and young people.”

At the Cooperage Football Grounds in Mumbai, Beckham met 12-year-old Khushi and 10-year-old Rohit who found their calling in football, enabling them to learn life skills while giving them confidence, joy and a sense of belonging.

“I was always very quiet and withdrawn. Playing football helped me to open up and communicate better. I learnt how to interact with others and make decisions,” said Khushi.

Sir David also met with young children from a UNICEF-supported project which aims to make Mumbai a better place to live and play with every citizen coming together to support their community. 9-year-old Tirth, a waste compost champion said, “When I saw our school waste turning into compost and helping plants grow — I realised we’re not just cleaning; we’re giving life back to earth.”

“As UNICEF’s Goodwill Ambassador for the last 20 years, Sir David Beckham has consistently brought attention to the world’s children and the most pressing challenges they face. He is an inspiration for children in India and across the world and his appreciation will encourage them to pursue their dreams and motivate them to reach their full potential,” said UNICEF India Representative, Cynthia McCaffrey.

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For more information, please contact UNICEF UK Media team at [email protected] or 0208 375 6030.

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.

The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) raises funds for UNICEF’s emergency and development work for children. We also promote and protect children’s rights in the UK and internationally. We are a UK charity, entirely funded by supporters.

United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), Registered Charity No. 1072612 (England & Wales), SC043677 (Scotland).

For more information visit unicef.org.uk.

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About UNICEF India

UNICEF partners with the Government of India to advance rights of children and young people to survive and thrive, especially the most vulnerable. For more than 76 years, this collaboration continues to focus on strengthening systems for health, nutrition, education, water and sanitation, child protection, social protection, and climate resilience so that children can learn, grow, and thrive.