Brazilian Brothers in Call to Arms Upon Common Goal Arrival

Gustavo and João Assunção make the 1% pledge

Gustavo and João Assunção believe it is not good enough for footballers to sit idly by as the world faces one of its biggest challenges.

The Brazilian pair – the sons of former Atlético Madrid star Paulo Assunçao – have today become the first brothers to join the Common Goal movement and upon arrival the F.C Famalicão duo issued a rallying call for others to do their part.

As of now, the brothers will team up with football-based community organisation in Brazil, Fundação Esportiva e Educacional Pró Criança e Adolescente (EPROCAD). Their 1% will help use football as a tool to promote access to equal education opportunities for young people living under the poverty line.

Both Gustavo and João are at different stages of their careers, with elder brother Gustavo (20) enjoying his second season as a mainstay in the heart of the senior side’s midfield, while João (16) is currently developing in the Under-23 team.

Now regularly appearing with the captain’s armband on the field, Gustavo believes it is time for himself and João to show leadership off it, and aware that they have become the first players from the Portuguese league to join, wants to see other players from the Primeira Liga and beyond do the same.

“I am sure that football has the power to change the world. It inspires millions of people. It is a universal game, it crosses borders,” he said.

“There may be a mistaken image of the footballer because he earns money and drives an expensive car. We are humble people, ordinary people, who started with a dream. The privilege is to be able to help and give back to society all the love that we don't have.

“Now more than ever is the time to help. We are living a situation that affects everyone equally. It doesn't matter the country or the social condition. We are all suffering at the same time and we have to react. This pandemic must unite us and boost the solidarity and the collective feeling.

“Common Goal is capable of leading a global campaign with a clear social objective. It represents that all together we can unite for a good cause. I am very proud to be the first in the Portuguese League and I encourage others to follow me as João has done.”

A midfielder just like his brother, João issued an equally impassioned statement when speaking on his decision to join the football for good movement and his desire to see more from within the industry follow suit.

“We can't just stand by and watch what's going on in the world. Common Goal means all of that and allows us to reach more people in a single gesture,” he said.

“Football is not just about goals, entertainment or a show, football is teamwork, sacrifice, values, brotherhood. To be a professional soccer player is to grow as a person and be part of something bigger than yourself. To be part of Common Goal is to go all together for the same purpose.

“Our father has always instilled in us a sense of family, where everyone is supported. This means becoming part of the biggest family in the world, being important to others.”

Their father, and three-time Portuguese Cup winner, Paulo expressed his pride at his sons’ decisions and echoed their sentiments about the beautiful games potential for good.

“I am proud of my children and their commitment. Common Goal fits with the values we have always lived at home,” he said.

“A family is the first step to growing up and becoming part of something bigger than yourself. Common Goal is the best way to belong to a family that cares about others. As I have done with them, I encourage the entire soccer community to show their commitment to social causes.”

“I have always seen football under a vision of goodness. The game is something good, it represents the best we have inside, a treasure for society.

“If everybody joined projects like Common Goal, we could change the lives of millions of people thanks to a common passion for football and help to fight against poverty, inequality, discrimination or poverty with only one tool.”