Hector Bellerin Named Global Champion at BBC Green Sports Awards

Hector Bellerin Named Global Champion at BBC Green Sports Awards

Top footballer Hector Bellerin, Real Betis' defender, has been crowned the global champion at the BBC Green Sports Awards, receiving recognition for his outstanding commitment to environmental sustainability. The award acknowledges his personal dedication to sustainable living, which extends beyond his sporting achievements and resonates with his large fan base.

Bellerin's path towards environmental awareness was influenced significantly by his time at Arsenal under Arsène Wenger. While not explicitly focused on sustainability in its modern context, Wenger fostered a holistic approach to life that included empathy and responsibility – values Bellerin believes are crucial for environmental stewardship. These principles guided Bellerin to make conscious choices, such as embracing a plant-based diet and adopting a minimalist lifestyle through the reuse of clothing and goods.

A defining aspect of Bellerin's sustainable approach is his daily commute. Preferring bicycles or public transport over private cars to reach training grounds in Seville, he stated, "It would be easier to take a cab. I know I'm privileged, but it's more of a revindication. We need greener cities, with fewer cars." His commitment is shared with millions of followers on social media, where he consistently uses his platform to advocate for climate action, ethical consumption, and community-driven change, embodying the sentiment, "With power comes responsibility."

The champion himself is shaped by his upbringing surrounded by nature, which fostered a deep connection to the environment influencing his daily decisions from transportation to fashion choices. Bellerin, who moved to north London aged 16 to join Arsenal's academy, believes questioning the necessity of purchases is vital in resisting consumerist pressures. He views voting as a powerful tool for change, urging supporters to back environmentally committed governments.

Despite being an "outsider" in football regarding environmental advocacy, Bellerin finds support from his Betis teammates, who engage in respectful dialogue despite differing views. His decision to join Betis was initially family-related, but he quickly aligned with the club's own sustainability initiatives, such as the Forever Green Foundation and the use of recycled materials in stadium construction and kit production. He considers Betis more than a football club, a space for personal growth and collective support.

Bellerin's engagement with sustainability also extends to being a shareholder in Forest Green Rovers, another club championing eco-friendly practices. However, the football world faces inherent challenges regarding sustainability, as highlighted by the significant travel demands placed on players, as noted in a recent Fifpro report detailing the extensive mileage logged by elite athletes during the 2024-25 season.