Hibs hero Ryan Porteous has become the first Scottish Premiership star to sign up for Juan Mata's Common Goal initiative.
The 21-year-old is following in the footsteps of the Manchester United hero who became the first person to pledge 1 per cent of their wage back in 2017.
And now the Easter Road standout has joined after hearing about Common Goal when Caroline Weir signed up to the movement that supports the women's game and charities around the world.
That's something 21-year-old Porteous feels passionate about due to the challenge his sister Emma has faced during her own career.
He said: “I have just been with the senior Scotland team, a very proud moment for me, but we can’t lose sight of what is happening around us and the need for collective action is clearer than ever. I am excited to join the Common Goal team and help empower girls to have the chance to realise any goal they may have in football and in life. It’s great to be the first Scottish Premiership player and I hope that many friends and players will join Common Goal.”
Mata admits he's delighted that Porteous has joined the likes of Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and Bayern Munich star Serge Gnabry by supporting the worthy cause.
He added: “Along with Timo Werner joining a couple of weeks ago, I really hope that Ryan becoming a member is another step in raising awareness of Common Goal in UK football. There’s an urgent need to work together. Football has a unique power to help solve the multiple challenges we are facing, whether that’s Covid-19, poverty, unemployment, discrimination, climate crisis, or gender equality.”
And those sentiments have been echoed by Scotland hero Weir and she has heaped praise on the rising star for making the commitment.
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She added: “Half of the Common Goal members are women, and as a player I am so happy to see that a 21-year old such as Ryan, with a bright professional career ahead of him, has not only been inspired by the example of his female colleagues to join the cause, but he has also pledged his commitment to driving gender equality.
"The world is changing quickly, and it is up to as all to decide the direction in which we would like to go.”
Common Goal has raised over €2.25 million over the past three years and allocated funds to over 27 charities affected by the Covid pandemic.