Eric Cantona becomes latest high-profile signing for Common Goal

Eric Cantona has become the latest high-profile signing for Common Goal, the charity aiming to get the football industry to pledge one per cent of its earnings to good causes.

So far the organisation, whose first big-name was Juan Mata, has received the backing of players, managers and clubs with Cantona the first significant, big-name former footballer to get involved.

The former Manchester United forward, an iconic figure, made the announcement in a first-person story for The Players’ Tribune – where he speaks of his family history, his freedom, and his wishes for “a more sustainable, positive and inclusive football”.  Cantona, 52, will assume the newly-created role of Common Goal mentor.

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Common Goal helps charities worldwide working with young people and specifically through football. There are more than 60 players involved including Mata, Bayern Munich defender Mats Hummels and Juventus centre-half Giorgio Chiellini who all pledge one per cent of their salary to the charity.

Cantona will now represent the movement and promote the Common Goal cause and it is hoped that his profile, which transcends football, will help the cause.

Cantona has long been an advocate for the social power of football and has been an active campaigner against homelessness.

Recently, he visited the streetfootballworld member Associação CAIS in Lisbon – an organisation that uses the game to support those suffering from extreme poverty and homelessness.

Jürgen Griesbeck, Common Goal’s co-founder and chief executive, said: “We believe that position of mentor not only allows true legends of the game to harness their voices for the good of all, but also gives them the opportunity of creating a lasting legacy far beyond the incredible achievements of their playing career.”