Dubai: Football stars dribble with fans, 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, an initiative led by Noor Foundation Dubai.

French freestyle footballer Sean Garnier scored the blindfolded penalty, but ex-Manchester City right-back and premier 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 like Sadio Mane, Mo Salah or Blaise Matuidi, but the French defender Mamadou Sakho has also been doing some exemplary charitable work.

Mamadou 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."

Mamadou Sakha had a tough upbringing, being the fourth child of a family of 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", Mamadou then added.

Mamadou has impacted people's lives 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 is well-spoken about even in England during his spells at Liverpool and Crystal Palace.

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ehaab@khaleejtimes.com