UNDP

Goodwill Ambassadors and Advocates

Goodwill Ambassador Alumni

Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane

Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane at UNDP's Match Against Poverty. Photo: UNDP

Football legends Ronaldo de Lima and Zinedine Zidane served as UNDP Goodwill Ambassadors for more than 15 years.

Their leadership in pioneering the Match Against Poverty helped shine a spotlight and generate support for UNDP’s work to make the world a better place for all.

UNDP carries on their legacy by continuing to deploy sports teams and athletes as key voices in our fight against poverty and inequality.

View photos of the 11th Match Against Poverty on Flickr.

Maria Sharapova

Maria Sharapova in Belarus with children living in areas affected by the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Photo: UNDP

After nearly 10 years of support, tennis star Maria Sharapova has concluded her service as United Nations Development Programme Goodwill Ambassador. Ms. Sharapova’s dedication and contributions, especially around the Chernobyl nuclear disaster recovery, will continue to have a lasting impact.

Didier Drogba

Football icon Didier Drogba helped shine a spotlight on critical issues facing people and planet.

As Goodwill Ambassador for more than 10 years, Didier Drogba helped raise awareness about development challenges in Africa and around the world. He participated in several anti-malaria and HIV/AIDS campaigns, highlighting implications for human rights and women's empowerment. Teaming up with fellow football legends Zinédine Zidane and Ronaldo, Drogba took part in UNDP's 12th Match Against Poverty in 2015.