New York, June 11, 2026 Football rising star Lamine Yamal has been appointed as the new UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, a role dedicated to defending children’s right to play. The announcement was made on the International Day of Play, which highlights the importance of play for children’s physical, social, and cognitive development. It also coincides with the start of the FIFA World Cup, where Yamal will represent Spain on the international stage.

Speaking about his appointment, Lamine Yamal expressed pride in joining UNICEF, recalling that he grew up with little more than his family, a ball, a park, and a dream. He explained that football shaped his life, helped him find his place in the world, and gave him hope for the future. He stressed that millions of children still lack safe spaces to play, learn, and grow, and said he intends to use his voice to support children affected by conflict, emergencies, and poverty.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell welcomed the appointment, saying that Yamal’s passion and global influence would help amplify the organization’s mission. She emphasized that every child deserves the right to play safely and develop freely, especially in a world where many are affected by violence, poverty, and instability.

The appointment comes as UNICEF releases new global data highlighting major inequalities in children’s access to play. The findings show that around 90 million children under the age of five have no toys or play materials at home, while about 80 million children aged two to four never play with a parent or caregiver. The report also reveals that children in low-income countries are significantly less likely to play with caregivers than those in wealthier nations, with Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia accounting for the majority of children deprived of play opportunities.

According to UNICEF, children in poorer households, rural areas, and families where mothers have no formal education are the most affected. The report also highlights that children are nearly twice as likely to play with their mothers than with their fathers, reflecting persistent gaps in parental engagement. Despite the recognized importance of play for early development, UNICEF notes that progress over the past decade has remained limited.

UNICEF is calling on governments, businesses, and partners to strengthen parenting support programs, ensure access to early childhood education for children aged three to six, and provide safe and inclusive play spaces for all children. Catherine Russell stated that investing in early childhood development and social protection is essential to ensuring that children have the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive.

Through his new role, Lamine Yamal is expected to use his global platform to advocate for children’s rights and raise awareness of the challenges faced by millions of children worldwide, particularly those living in vulnerable and crisis-affected conditions.