For the first time, a former Sierra Leonean professional footballer Rodney Strasser is attending the august gathering of elites in global football at the 74th FIFA Congress in Bangkok, Thailand.
The former Leone Stars and AC Milan midfielder got a special invitation from FIFA to join his colleague football legends at the Congress. This new development marks a new milestone for Sierra Leone football as well as in Rodney’s career on the highest stage of global football gathering.
Arriving in Bangkok, Strasser and other prominent football legends converged ahead of the FIFA Congress on May 17, in the company of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, former Brazil and AC Milan midfielder Cafu, former Argentine and Inter Milan midfielder Esteban Cambiasso, former Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi, former Brazil and Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva, and several others.
Rodney Strasser shares his gratitude in a social media post for becoming the first Sierra Leonean player to be invited to such gathering: –
“Departing Sierra Leone with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit of determination! Rodney Strasser is honored to be the first Sierra Leonean Football Legend to represent my country at the 2024 FIFA Congress in Bangkok, Thailand.”
“I’m grateful for this opportunity to showcase the work of the Rodney Strasser Foundation and advocate for professional football players and children in sports in Sierra Leone. My journey is not just about me, but about the countless young athletes and communities who deserve support and recognition.”
“At the FIFA Congress, I aim to share our foundation’s initiatives, promote the development of football in Sierra Leone, and network with global leaders in the sport. I aspire to inspire change, foster collaboration, and bring hope to those who need it most.”
“Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey. Your encouragement and belief in me mean the world. Let’s make Sierra Leone proud and create a brighter future for our youth through sports!” ~ Rodney Strasser
Rodney Strasser also met with Sierra Leonean born FIFA Council Member Madam Isha Johansen, who is also in attendance at the forthcoming Congress. For Strasser and several other young talents across the world, Isha Johansen has been an inspiration to him. Her journey to the highest peak of global football administration amazes a lot of people across the world.
