The Wolves winger is the latest of more than 200 professional players and managers to have become members of Common Goals, a project launched in 2017 by Juan Mata, where the donated money is used to drive social impact initiatives which can reduce the inequalities and racial injustice still displayed across the world.
Traore said: “All too often in football the headlines are stolen by racist actions. If I’ve learned anything in my career so far, it’s that leading with action rather than empty words is what counts in making a difference. It’s important to me to use my platform to be part of the solution.
“Honestly, I wish I lived in a world where my pledge wasn’t needed to fight racism. Unfortunately, that is not the case. The anti-racism project is a mission that I truly believe can make a difference.
“Although I know that my one per cent along isn’t going to fix this problem and although my voice alone won’t solve systematic racism, but if I can encourage others to join me in this fight, the impact we can make is exponential.
“If you’re going to add something to your to-do list this year, I’d say join me. You might not think you one per cent matters, but I’m telling you, it does.”
Traore celebrated scoring his first goal of the 2021/22 season against Southampton on Saturday by revealing a pair of white gloves, including the fist symbol of the Black Lives Matter movement and the words ‘faith’ and ‘believe’.
He explained: “It's just a gesture. My little gesture. My way of thanking all those who have fought, and continue to fight, against racism.
“Those who have inspired me to keep the faith and follow my dreams. I encourage everyone, even when in doubt, to have faith as well and to keep going after your dreams.”
— Wolves (@Wolves) January 16, 2022
Common Goal’s anti-racism project was launched last year and is aimed at ending racism in football through anti-racism training, while the long-term goal of the project is to positively impact 100 million young people by 2030.
Mata added: "It's fantastic to see another person from the Premier League join myself, Kasper Schmeichel and Jurgen Klopp in this growing team of now over 200 professionals from around the world.
“In England, there are so many inspiring female players that are already Common Goal members, and I hope that Adama joining the movement in order to take tangible action on tackling racism will inspire other male colleagues from the Premier League to join the movement.
“One per cent is almost nothing, but together we can create meaningful change and the time to act is now.”
More information about Common Goal can be found here.
