Real Madrid and German national team central defender, Antonio Rüdiger chose to spend his vacation time on a meaningful journey to Sierra Leone, his mother’s homeland. This marked the defender’s third visit to the country through his charitable foundation, focusing on community support and youth development.
The visit began with a special event for over 200 people living with disabilities, including individuals who are blind, deaf, or physically disabled. Rüdiger helped organize a communal meal, distributed essential food supplies, and spent personal time engaging with the attendees.
He also met with athletes with disabilities and was joined by the German Ambassador to Sierra Leone to explore future cooperative projects.
Traveling to the eastern Kono District, Rüdiger turned his attention to young sports talent. There, he provided more than 350 aspiring footballers with complete sets of sports gear, courtesy of a cooperation with Under Armour, and joined them for an uplifting training session.
Beyond the pitch, the footballer met with 100 at risk children, most of them girls, pledging long-term support for their education, nutrition, and personal development through dedicated workshops. Further demonstrating his commitment to the region’s wellbeing, Rüdiger donated necessary medical supplies to a public hospital.
Reflecting on the experience, Rüdiger shared: “These trips give me more energy than any other vacation. Humanitarian work motivates me and teaches me new lessons, and I will continue to come back. Football has given me everything. Giving hope, structure, and confidence to young players is the least I can do.”
The visit highlighted Rüdiger’s deep personal connection to Sierra Leone and his ongoing commitment to using his platform for positive, sustainable change in the communities that inspire him.
