UEFA's Global Ambassador for diversity and change: Clarence Seedorf

"This is not a job: this is part of my personal life mission."

Those were the words of Clarence Seedorf in December 2014 during his unveiling as UEFA's Global Ambassador for Diversity and Change. The UEFA Champions League legend and philanthropist was appointed to create new concepts and initiatives that will be introduced at the organisation, both institutionally and in competitions. The former Netherlands national team star becomes a key voice and role model in spreading messages of tolerance and unity in football.

Football career
The only player to have lifted the UEFA Champions League with three different clubs, Seedorf achieved it for the first time in 1994/95 at the age of just 19 when he was already a key player at AFC Ajax, who beat AC Milan in the Vienna final.

After a year at UC Sampdoria, Seedorf joined Real Madrid CF, where his tenure included another European crown, fittingly won in Amsterdam in 1997/98. Later, Seedorf signed for FC Internazionale Milano before moving on to Milan where he stayed a decade and became a legend. It was with the Rossoneri that Seedorf won his third UEFA Champions League winners' medal in 2003 as he became the first and only player winning the competition with three different clubs. He lifted the trophy for the fourth time in 2007 in Athens when Liverpool FC were defeated in the final.

After moving to Brazil to play with Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas, Seedorf played his final professional game in 2014, having appeared in more than 1,000 matches throughout his career. Just a few weeks later, Seedorf became coach of Milan while he continued his work with social development projects with the aim to make a difference to society through sport and education.

Clarence Seedorf at his unveiling©KNVB

Beyond the pitch
Seedorf attended courses in psychology, management and a masters course in economics and finance. He is a board member of the Laureus Foundation and an entrepreneur. Having mastered six languages, Seedorf can communicate with a vast audience, and in his speech to delegates at UEFA's Respect Diversity conference in Rome in September 2014, he talked passionately about the need for steps to be taken in diversity through football.

"I am really honoured to be part of this whole project," he said. "As I have accepted this honour, of course I am going to commit fully, together with UEFA, to fight the fight against all forms of discrimination.

"The leadership that UEFA is showing says so much about where we want to go, and I am sure that together we can gather enough people to create a great and positive movement."