German International Matthias Ginter joined Common Goal just a few days away from Die Mannschaft’s opening game of the Euro 2020 campaign against France.
In doing so, Ginter became the 16th German player to join the movement, and one of four players who would feature for them in the tournament that year.
”When I look back at the end of my career, I want to be able to do so knowing that I have used my influence as a public figure in sport and my financial resources to help as many people as possible who are living in less privileged circumstances,” he said.
“I think we need a paradigm shift in professional football, in which future decisions are based around how football can serve as a model for a society with equal opportunities.”
Ginter’s career has been a storied one; two days after turning 18 in January 2012, he made his Bundesliga debut as a substitute for Freiburg, marking the occasion by becoming his hometown club's youngest ever Bundesliga goal scorer.
Matthias then lifted the 2014/15 DFL Supercup and 2016/17 DFB Cup during a three-year stint at Borussia Dortmund before switching to Borussia Mönchengladbach.
His international career has also been a huge success, helping Germany to a World Cup Winners trophy in 2014.