Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

---

Born into a family that rebuilt their lives in Germany after fleeing conflict in Sierra Leone, football opened doors for Toni Rüdiger.

Now representing Germany at the 2026 World Cup, he is part of UNHCR's Gamechanging Team, showing what is possible when refugees find safety and opportunity. Today, Toni is helping young people in Sierra Leone, the country his family once fled.

As World Refugee Day approaches, his story is a reminder that when people are given the chance they can thrive and give back to their communities.