Football stars shoot penalties blindfolded for a cause
Mamadou Sakho, Bacary Sagna and Sean Garnier were some of the stars who took part in a blindfolded penalty shootout on Tuesday, an initiative led by Noor Foundation Dubai.
French freestyle footballer Sean Garnier scored a blindfolded penalty, but ex-manchester City rightback and Premiership winner Bacary Sagna missed it by a whisker. Players then met young fans and greeted them. When it comes to football and charity, names that crop up are the likes of Sadio Mane, Mo Salah or Blaise Matuidi, but French defender Mamadou Sakho has also been doing some exemplary work.
Sakho was born to Senegalese parents in Paris. While speaking to Khaleej Times, he said: "When
you have lived a hard life, charity comes naturally in your mind."
Sakho had a tough upbringing, being the fourth child of a family with seven children who had to live on the streets for years.
"I always told myself, if I make it, I will give back. And Alhamdulillah, I achieved my dream and became a professional footballer. I started looking after people as soon as I could," Sakho added.
The French international has impacted the lives of a huge number of people as he invests much of his earnings into charity to help and inspire kids and teens.
He has never forgotten his roots or his humble beginnings, and his nature of giving was well-spoken of even in England during his spells at Liverpool and Crystal Palace.
The Montpellier defender believes charity is not just about giving money; even advice and positive talking also give the kids hope and the courage they need.
This exhibition blindfolded penalty shootout was an hors d'oeuvre for AMSAK Charity Gala Dubai on November 16.