Princess Rani Vanouska Modely

For many, football is more than just a weekend match or a favorite team. It’s a shared experience — something that brings people together across languages, borders, and beliefs. One voice leading a global effort to recognize this power is Rani Vanouska T. Modely , who believes football deserves to be honored not just as a sport, but as a cultural bridge between nations. As the spokesperson for the Football World Heritage initiative, Rani is championing football’s candidacy to be included as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. Her vision is clear: football unites people in a way few other things can, and that deserves recognition on a global stage. Why Football Is a Cultural Force When you think of football, you might think of goals, jerseys, and stadiums. But Rani sees something deeper — a common thread that ties together diverse communities. “Football tells the story of humanity. It’s where emotion, tradition, and identity all meet,” she said in a recent interview. Across gener...