French football star Paul Pogba has launched an initiative to combat hunger and support displaced residents in Gaza during Ramadan, providing free meals in collaboration with a charity organization. His efforts have been widely praised on social media.
French football star Paul Pogba has called for combating hunger and supporting the residents of the Gaza Strip during the holy month of Ramadan.
Several photos circulated on social media showed free meals being distributed to displaced people in shelters, supported directly by Pogba in collaboration with a charitable organization.
On his official Instagram account, Pogba wrote,
“Hunger knows no boundaries, and kindness has no limits. Together, we can make a difference by feeding those in need. A simple meal can bring hope, warmth, and strength to someone struggling. Let’s share our blessings and ensure no one goes to bed hungry.”
The initiative received widespread praise on social media, with many commending the Muslim player for his stance.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has deepened during Ramadan, particularly after the Israeli occupation’s decision to close crossings, now in its eighth consecutive day.
Among the most critical crossings is Kerem Abu Salem, the sole crossing designated for humanitarian aid and commercial goods. Its closure has exacerbated the suffering of over two million people who have yet to recover from a 15-month-long genocidal war.
Pogba is one of the world’s most prominent football stars who consistently supports the Palestinian cause, especially during escalations of Israeli violations against Palestinians.
In May 2021, Pogba, then a Manchester United player, expressed solidarity with the residents of Sheikh Jarrah in occupied Jerusalem amid ongoing Israeli attempts to forcibly displace them. At the time, he shared a photo on Instagram with the caption, “The world needs peace and love, today is Eid .. Pray for Palestine.”
🎥🔴 أحد المشجعين يُهدي #بوغبا علم فلسطين & الفرنسي يرفعه في أرجاء الملعب بعد المباراة 🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/nlaJN025CI
— صحيفة مانشستر يونايتد 🇵🇸 (@MUFCMENA) May 18, 2021
Days later, Pogba appeared in a video holding the Palestinian flag after Manchester United’s match against Fulham in the 37th round of the 2020-2021 English Premier League season. In the clip, Pogba took the flag from a fan at Old Trafford and walked around the stadium with his former teammate Amadou Diallo.
Support for Palestine among athletes across different sports has grown exponentially since the start of the Israeli genocide on Gaza, beginning on October 23, 2023. While many athletes have expressed varying degrees of solidarity, others have faced criticism for not speaking out, often due to fears of losing sponsors or provoking the ire of their teams.
(PC, AJA, Social Media)
