Lewis Hamilton Honored by Brazilian Football Club for Diversity and Inclusion Advocacy
In recognition of Lewis Hamilton’s tireless efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, Brazilian football club Vasco da Gama featured the seven-time Formula One World Champion’s name on the back of their shirts in a recent Campeonato Carioca fixture against Sampaio Corrêa. This tribute was part of commemorating anti-racist leaders and speakers on the 100th anniversary of the Historic Response in Brazil.
Hamilton’s name was alongside other influential figures such as Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, and Jesse Owens, all stitched onto the kits for this special occasion. The gesture aimed to raise awareness about the ongoing fight against racism in sports and society.
The one-off commemorative kits were used in the Rio de Janeiro State Championship fixture, and all proceeds from the initiative were directed to the local Observatorio Racial no Futebol organization, which actively works against racism in football.
Lewis Hamilton, who spends considerable time in Brazil and has expressed his love for the country, was granted honorary Brazilian citizenship in 2022. He is widely admired by the Brazilian population, with many considering him a hero.
Apart from his success in Formula One, Hamilton is known for his advocacy work. He launched the Hamilton Commission in 2020, focusing on increasing diversity in British motorsport, and later introduced Mission 44 in 2021 to promote diversity and inclusion in the industry.
While Hamilton’s name on the football kits signals global recognition for his efforts, it’s worth noting that he is a supporter of London-based football club Arsenal, a fact he humorously shared in a 2022 interview. Hamilton’s dedication to fostering inclusivity and fighting against racism resonates both on and off the race track.
