Athletes Who Took a Stand for Palestine—Year After Year
Over the years, a number of athletes have publicly shown support for Palestine, and many times, it hasn’t come without consequences. Whether it’s fines, suspensions, or death threats, solidarity with Palestine in the world of sports rarely goes unnoticed or unpunished.
But still, some keep speaking up. Here are some notable moments of athletic solidarity with Palestine.
Irish MMA Fighter Paddy McCorry
Irish professional MMA Fighter Paddy McCorry made his stance public after defeating his Israeli opponent at Cage Warriors, holding up the Palestinian flag and chanting “Free Palestine” in the ring.
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British Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton
Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has spoken out multiple times. In March 2024, he posted:
“Sending my love and support to all the people in Palestine who are spending this holy time facing danger, loss, and heartbreak.”
Then again, in May 2024, he wrote:
“Enough is enough. We cannot continue to watch this tragedy unfold without speaking up. The trauma and terror that so many, but particularly innocent children, are experiencing is horrifying. This must stop – for the children, for their families, and for their lives.”
Australian-American NBA Basketball Player Kyrie Irving
The Nine-time NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving wore a Palestinian keffiyeh to an NBA press conference in 2023.
In another appearance, Australian-American basketball player wore a necklace in the shape of Palestine’s map, with the Key of Return in the same charm.
His message was clear, visible, intentional, and unmistakably supportive.
French Football Legend Eric Cantona
The French Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has also spoken out numerous times. In one video, he condemned the violence and the barbarity of the genocide while showing support for Palestine.
French Footballer Karim Benzema
Al Ittihad striker Karim Benzema, a former Real Madrid captain and Ballon d’Or winner, shared his support for Gaza during the 2023 attacks. He posted in French:
“All our prayers for the people of Gaza, once again victims of these unfair bombardments that do not even spare women and children.”
Algerian Footballer Riyad Mahrez
Former Manchester City’s Algerian midfielder Riyad Mahrez, who now plays for Al-Ahli Saudi, held up a Palestinian flag during the Premier League trophy ceremony in front of a global audience, following a match against Everton in 2021.
French and Ivorian Football Players Paul Pogba & Amad Diallo
Footballers Paul Pogba and Amad Diallo, both playing for Manchester United at the time, also held up a Palestinian flag on the field in 2021, signaling their solidarity.
Egyptian Olympic Swimmer Abdelrahman Sameh
Egyptian swimmer Abdelrahman Sameh said he received death threats for expressing support for Palestine. After winning gold at the 2023 World Aquatics Swimming World Cup, he shared that he couldn’t even celebrate due to the ongoing war in Gaza.
Senegalese Football Player Sadio Mané
Senegalese football star Sadio Mané voiced his support back in 2021, posting “Free Palestine” across his social media platforms.
Tunisian Tennis Player Ons Jabeur
Tunisian tennis player Ons Jabeur, the first Arab and African woman to reach a Grand Slam final, spoke out tearfully after a match in 2023. She dedicated part of her WTA Finals earnings to Gaza, referencing the martyrs and expressing her grief on camera.
Algerian Judoka Fethi Nourine
Algerian judoka Fethi Nourine was suspended for 10 years by the International Judo Federation after he withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics to avoid facing an Israeli opponent. His coach was banned as well.
For these athletes, solidarity with Palestine isn’t a slogan—it comes with real consequences. In an industry where silence is often safer, their willingness to speak up stands out. The message is simple but costly: justice matters, and so does the choice to support it.
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