Two South African Internationals Make History on FIFPRO Global Player Council
South African football reached a historic milestone on Tuesday as Banyana Banyana legend Jermaine Seoposenwe and Bafana Bafana midfielder Terrence Mashego became the first players from the country to be named to the FIFPRO Global Player Council for the 2025–2027 term.
The appointment gives both players a platform to represent South African football on a global stage, allowing them to address issues affecting professional players directly. The council ensures that the voices of active male and female players from different regions and competitions are included in key decisions shaping the sport.
Established in 2019, the FIFPRO Global Player Council brings together 37 prominent footballers from around the world. Its goal is to place player perspectives at the centre of decision-making in football, promoting a more inclusive and representative dialogue within the sport.
The new term features high-profile members including Argentina’s World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister, U.S. Olympic and World Cup champion Crystal Dunn, five-time Women’s Champions League winner Lucy Bronze of England, and national team captains such as Chris Wood of New Zealand and Jackson Irvine of Australia. Other members include Marshall Munetsi of Zimbabwe, Caroline Weir of Scotland, Elena Linari of Italy, and Wataru Endo of Japan, highlighting the council’s global reach.
Reacting to her appointment, Seoposenwe, who has earned over 100 caps for Banyana Banyana, expressed pride in representing Africa. “[I am] so proud to be joining The @FIFPRO Global Players Council and to represent Africa. I’m really looking forward to helping bring change and learn from this amazing group of people. Together, we have the power to effect change,” she said.
Seoposenwe and Mashego’s inclusion signals a growing recognition of South African talent in international football governance and offers the country a voice in shaping policies that impact professional players worldwide.
