Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Discuss the influence of sports stars on society.
- Express and justify their opinions in English.
- Use examples to support arguments.
- Reflect on the responsibilities that come with fame.
A footballer is often a role model simply because millions of people watch what they do. Young fans copy their behavior, language, attitudes, and lifestyle. Whether footballers want the responsibility or not, their influence is real.
Norway – a country with a population almost the same size as Scotland – have become a football powerhouse at the World Cup and it’s not just down to Erling Haaland. The Manchester City striker, who has seven goals under his belt at the tournament, is the poster boy for the side along with Martin Odegaard, who captains both Arsenal and the national team.
However, they are not the only successful products of the Norwegian youth system. Of their 26-man World Cup squad, 17 play in Europe’s top four leagues – the Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga and Serie A. The majority were mentored in Norway’s national youth football training system, the National Team School (NTS), which was established in 2013. BBC
In the summer of 2026, Norway surprised the world with their outstanding performance in the USA World Cup, going all the way to the quarter-finals. We still remember the Viking rowing celebration!
Think-Pair-Share
- Why do young people admire footballers?
- Can someone become a role model without choosing to be one?
- Which Norwegian footballers have influenced young people positively?
Activity 1: What Makes a Good Role Model?
In small groups, students make a list of qualities they think a good role model should have.
Examples:
- Respectful
- Honest
- Hard-working
- Responsible
- Kind
- Talented
- Disciplined
Each group shares its top three qualities with the class.
Activity 2: Debate Preparation
Divide the class into two teams.
- Team A: Footballers should be role models.
- Team B: Footballers should not be expected to be role models.
Students prepare arguments and examples. Possible arguments:
For
- Young people copy footballers.
- Athletes represent clubs and countries.
- They have a large platform and influence.
Against
- Footballers are athletes, not teachers.
- Everyone makes mistakes.
- Parents and schools should be the main role models.
Players Often Seen as Positive Role Models
Marcus Rashford (England)
- Campaigned against child food poverty in the UK.
- Helped secure free school meals for vulnerable children.
- Received FIFA’s Foundation Award for his humanitarian work. [ipt.fifa.com], [inside.fifa.com]
Discussion: Should athletes use their fame to influence government policy?
Megan Rapinoe (USA)
- Two-time World Cup winner.
- Advocated for equal pay, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial justice.
- Received the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom. [biography.com], [rfi.fr], [ussoccer.com], [californiamuseum.org]
Discussion: Should footballers speak out on social and political issues?
Erling Haaland (Norway)
- Known for professionalism, hard work, and dedication to training.
- Often cited as an example of discipline and focus. Source
Discussion: Is being a role model mainly about behavior or achievement?
Diversity and the National Team
Today’s national football teams often reflect the changing societies they represent. Players may come from different cultural backgrounds, speak different languages at home, or have family roots in various parts of the world. Yet when they step onto the pitch, they share a goal: representing their country.
Norway’s men’s national team is a good example of this diversity. Players such as Oscar Bobb and Antonio Nusa bring different backgrounds and experiences to the squad, reflecting modern Norway. Their presence shows that national identity is not defined by where a person’s family comes from, but by the commitment, values, and sense of belonging they share with their teammates and fellow citizens.
Football can be a powerful reminder that people with different backgrounds can work together, support one another, and succeed as a team. In this way, the national team not only represents a country, but also demonstrates the strength that diversity can bring to a community.
Essay Question 1: What Makes a Footballer a Role Model?
Choose a footballer you admire and discuss whether he or she is a good role model for young people.
You may wish to consider:
- Their behavior on and off the pitch
- Their work ethic and dedication
- How they treat teammates, opponents, and fans
- Whether they support charities, communities, or important causes
- Whether role models have a responsibility to set a good example
Essay Question 2: Talent or Character?
Many footballers are famous because of their talent, but does talent alone make someone worthy of admiration?
Choose a footballer and discuss whether their character is more important than their sporting achievements.
You may wish to consider:
- Success, trophies, and records
- Leadership and sportsmanship
- Actions outside football
- Mistakes or controversies
- The influence famous athletes have on young people
Essay Question: Football, Identity, and Diversity
National teams are often seen as symbols of a country’s identity. Today, many teams feature players whose families come from different parts of the world.
Discuss how diversity can influence a national football team and its supporters.
You may wish to consider:
- National identity and belonging
- The experiences of players from different backgrounds
- The benefits and challenges of diversity
- How football can bring people together
- Examples from international football