Connor McDavid joined teammates in supporting Zach Hyman’s annual charity golf event, which has now raised $3 million to benefit underprivileged children. Despite trade rumours swirling around both players, McDavid’s presence added significant attention and star power to the cause. Hyman, currently sidelined with a wrist injury, continued to spearhead the initiative, and McDavid emphasized his enthusiasm for supporting his friend’s impactful philanthropic work.

Nigeria captain William Troost‑Ekong underscored that his charity mission far surpasses his football career. Speaking at the 2025 Troost‑Ekong Foundation charity match in Lagos, he reflected on the event’s success and strong turnout. He emphasized that while football draws the crowd, the heart of the initiative is philanthropy—supporting education, sports, healthcare, and community development, particularly in his home state of Akwa Ibom. Troost‑Ekong stressed that the foundation is built to outlast his tenure on the national team, with a sustainable model led by a trusted team to drive long-term impact. The charity match—featuring top footballers and celebrities—raised over N40 million, underscoring that “charity is bigger than football.”