Dr. Sahira Al Nahari, founder of Shifā Art, a Saudi Arabia-based organization using art to foster mental health discussions, observed that men attending her therapeutic workshops often start by sketching football jerseys or favorite teams. These drawings then open pathways to conversations about everyday anxieties, illustrating how sport can facilitate mental health dialogue where traditional methods may struggle.

Speaking at the UN Headquarters on Tuesday alongside UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs Felipe Paullier, Dr. Al Nahari emphasized that just as football players rely on a broad ecosystem—including defenders, coaches, medics, and fans—youth mental health support requires a similar comprehensive approach.

In February, a UN report revealed that one in seven people aged 10 to 19 has a mental health condition, with 75% of adult mental health issues beginning by the mid-twenties. The report also noted a rise in depression among adolescents and young adults in recent years.

Most countries allocate less than two percent of their annual health budgets to mental health, resulting in a $200 billion financing gap, according to the World Health Organization.

On Friday, July 17th, just two days before the Men’s World Cup final near Midtown Manhattan in New Jersey, the UN Youth Office will convene young leaders, policymakers, civil society members, and athletes to celebrate football as a catalyst for youth mental health awareness and stigma reduction.

“We believe that football and sports are a really powerful messenger, not only because of what they represent when they connect people, but because football legends can be strong messengers to transform narratives,” said Youth Affairs Felipe Paullier.

Sources