Former Premier League attacker Duncan Watmore stepped away from the familiar football environment to speak before international representatives at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Appearing at Global Health Futures Day, the former Sunderland and Middlesbrough player explained how methods used to achieve peak performance in professional sport could help improve public health.
The 32-year-old earned a first-class degree in economics and completed a master’s qualification while making 336 appearances during a 15-year professional career. He now serves as head of elite performance at wellbeing company PEAK4.
Watmore, who previously represented England at Under-21 level, said he had long been passionate about harnessing football and sport to create positive change worldwide, adding that discussing the subject at the General Assembly was a genuine honour.
Although Watmore may appear an unexpected presence in international diplomatic circles, several celebrated football figures have taken a similar path.
Pele, David Beckham, Didier Drogba and Kaka have all spoken to the General Assembly as ambassadors, while 1995 Ballon d’Or recipient George Weah addressed delegates during his time as Liberia’s president.
Lionel Messi, Brazilian star Marta, Ronaldo, Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan are among the other prominent players who have supported humanitarian initiatives, equal-pay campaigns and international development efforts connected with General Assembly meetings.
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