Atlanta exhibition links football and human rights, aiming to counter negative US media narrative | OneFootball

An exhibition at Atlanta’s National Center for Civil and Human Rights traces how football has advanced tolerance and human rights for nearly a century. According to L'Équipe, The People’s Match opened in mid-June and runs for a year.

A large German-language banner sets the tone. The show assembles acts of civic engagement and resistance by stars and ordinary people worldwide.

Stories span the Basque national team formed in 1936 after Franco’s rise, which later played in Mexico. In 1958, French players left to form the FLN side and press Algeria’s independence case.

Corinthians Democracy, fronted by Sócrates, is highlighted. Supporter initiatives include Sankt Pauli’s fight against racism and homophobia, and Bohemian FC’s comparable work with education and environmental programmes.

Didier Drogba and Ivory Coast’s symbolic kneel after securing 2006 World Cup qualification also features.

Curator Daniel Fuller says mainstream US coverage often fixates on negatives like racism and violence, unlike what he has seen in France, the Netherlands and South America. A long-time George Weah admirer and PSG fan, he set out to challenge that narrative.

Months of work and trips to Hamburg, Dublin and São Paulo shaped the show, which also spotlights local projects such as Fugee Family in Clarkston. Soccer in the Streets has built pitches beneath the metro, reviving disused spaces and easing access without cars.

FIFA officials have already visited, notably George Weah, honorary captain of its Players’ Voice anti-racism panel, whose signed shirt is displayed alongside Rivaldo, Lamine Yamal, Paolo Maldini and Pelé.

Source: L'Équipe