Grace Geyoro, midfielder for the French national team and one of the leading figures in women’s football, has been awarded the title of Champion for Peace 2025 by Peace and Sport in a ceremony attended by Prince Albert II of Monaco on 5th December.
The distinction recognises Geyoro’s exceptional commitment both on and off the pitch, particularly her work supporting vulnerable populations and youth in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The 28-year-old footballer, who recently made a record-breaking transfer to London City Lionesses during the summer of 2025, has over 100 caps for France and helped the national team secure third place in the Football Nations Cup on 2nd December.
Formalising commitment through new association
Geyoro has spent several years supporting local initiatives in France and the Democratic Republic of Congo, but in 2025 she decided to formalise her commitment by creating Pow-Her, Be Gr8, an association that uses sport as a tool for education, cohesion and inclusion. The footballer has also published a book titled “Croire en ses rêves” (Believing in one’s dreams), aimed at inspiring young people to pursue their ambitions against all odds.
As a locker-room leader, Geyoro embodies the values of excellence, fair play and cohesion promoted by Peace and Sport, the Monaco-based organisation founded by Joël Bouzou that works to use sport as an instrument for peace and social development.
Assessing needs in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi
This year, Geyoro led a mission to Kinshasa and Lubumbashi in partnership with Peace and Sport and JJPC (Je Joue Pour le Congo) to assess the needs for sports infrastructure and youth programmes. The mission involved engaging with local stakeholders to prepare sustainable actions that could benefit Congolese youth.
Her assessment revealed that in a fragile social context, Congolese youth show a strong demand for structured sports activities, highlighting the importance and urgency of developing projects that promote education, inclusion and social cohesion. The findings will inform future initiatives aimed at using sport as a vehicle for positive change in communities facing significant challenges.
Personal honour and powerful encouragement
Speaking after receiving the award, Geyoro expressed her gratitude for the recognition. “Receiving the title of Champion for Peace 2025 is a tremendous honour. Beyond the award itself, it is a powerful encouragement to continue with my commitment to young people, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” she said.
She thanked Prince Albert and Peace and Sport for their support and trust, noting that their guidance has given a new dimension to her work and enabled her to turn her convictions into concrete projects.
Didier Drogba, Vice President of Peace and Sport and himself a former Champion for Peace, welcomed Geyoro to the organisation. “Grace Geyoro joins the large family of Champions for Peace today, and this is something that makes our organisation very proud. Her commitment to young people shows that the power of sport extends far beyond the lines of a playing field. Through her actions, she embodies a new generation of athletes who inspire young people in Africa and around the world.”
Joining prestigious collective of athlete activists
Geyoro now joins a collective of more than 100 high-level athletes personally committed to the movement for peace through sport. The Champions for Peace represent one of the fundamental pillars of Peace and Sport, working to make sport a tool for dialogue and social cohesion.
As role models and sources of inspiration for young people around the world, Champions for Peace devote their time, fame and athletic experience to projects that use sport as a tool for addressing social issues. The recognition of Geyoro reflects the growing acknowledgement that elite athletes can play a significant role in driving positive change beyond their sporting achievements.
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Photo: Prince Albert II with Grace Geyoro and Joël Bouzou, President and Founder of Peace and Sport, source: Peace and Sport