On the last day of September 2020, Michael Essien became the 165th member of the Common Goal team – stating that he was “proud to push for change and be part of this family.”
The announcement came on the same day Essien announced he would be making the foray into coaching at Danish club FC Nordsjælland – the first football club to make the 1% pledge.
The former Ghanaian international arrived at the socially-driven football club on the back of a stellar playing career, with fruitful spells at Chelsea, Lyon and Real Madrid – finishing his career with a plethora of league titles and a European Cup winners-medal to boot.
Upon his arrival at his new club in Denmark, Essien took to social media to express his delight and excitement for the future as he completes the transition from player to coach.
“I am delighted to have joined [the] coaching staff at FC Nordsjælland as part of my development towards my full coaching licence," said Essien.
At Common Goal, Essien joins former teammate Juan Mata, with whom he won the Champions League with Chelsea.
The Manchester United maestro was thrilled to welcome his his ex-colleague and long-time friend in the quest for creating a better world through football.
“[I am] happy to welcome Michael Essien to the Common Goal family. We have shared great victories and friendship for many years,” said Mata.