CSR as a strategic lever in professional football clubs
The growing complexity of global football requires clubs not only to deliver sporting performance, but also to demonstrate responsible and credible behaviour. From community development to environmental stewardship, and from governance to communication, CSR is emerging as a key tool for building legitimacy, managing reputational risks, and meeting the expectations of increasingly demanding stakeholders. Drawing on analyses of clubs in Europe and the United States, the study shows how CSR is reshaping the identity, reputation, and responsibilities of football organisations, pushing them toward a new era of sustainability and positive social impact.
