NEW YORK (Nov. 30, 2023) – Major League Soccer and Audi of America announced today that Alejandro Bedoya of the Philadelphia Union has been named the recipient of the 2023 Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award. The honor is awarded to players for charitable and social impact work that creates sustainable communities, fosters equity and inclusion, and enriches the lives of those in need across the U.S. and Canada.
During MLS Cup presented by Audi, Audi will present Bedoya with a $100,000 contribution to his chosen nonprofit organization – The Philadelphia Equity Alliance. In partnership with the Philadelphia Foundation, Bedoya works hand in hand with the Philadelphia Equity Alliance to work towards reducing poverty and promoting inclusive and resilient economic growth by advancing collaborative solutions around educational equity, community safety, and growing Black and Brown jobs and businesses.
“I’m proud to receive this coveted award and to be recognized for my efforts to help drive positive change in the Philadelphia community, a cause that is of great importance to me,” said Bedoya. “I’m honored to be in the company of the other finalists for this award as well as all players who use their platforms to prioritize driving progress in their communities. We are all making a difference in the areas that mean so much to us.”
A highly respected leader in MLS and in global soccer, Bedoya helped his club earn a spot in the Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs. A star in Philadelphia since he joined the club in 2016, Bedoya has led the team to the playoffs every season.
The finalists for this year’s Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award – Bedoya, Darlington Nagbe (Columbus Crew SC) and Taylor Washington (Nashville SC) – were determined by a selection committee comprised of current players, technical staff, front office staff, and members of the media.
“We’re incredibly proud of each of our finalists for all the work they do to support their communities, and it’s an honor to recognize Alejandro Bedoya for his incredible efforts off the pitch,“ said Jen Cramer, MLS EVP of Partnership Marketing. “Each of the communities where our clubs have a presence are unique and special in their own way, and we look forward to seeing how these areas continue to be positively impacted by players across Major League Soccer.”
Throughout 2023, Audi, MLS and The Players’ Tribune teamed up to create the “Celebrating Impact” content series to amplify the work of MLS players in their communities and place a spotlight on the causes they are most passionate about. In honor of Bedoya’s work driving progress off the field, he was the first player featured in May and received a $20,000 contribution for his organization from the Audi Goals Drive Progress fund. Â
Bedoya will be the latest addition to the impactful content series with video content that will debut across The Players’ Tribune channels on December 8th at 10 a.m. EST.
“We’re pleased to congratulate Alejandro Bedoya on becoming the first recipient of the Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award,” said Adam Perez, Brand Partnerships & Experience Senior Specialist, Audi of America. “Through the continued growth of the Audi Goals Drive Progress initiative, we hope to support players in their efforts to drive progress in communities across the country. Audi is proud to recognize the positive community engagement of players like Alejandro and those others featured in the “Celebrating Impact” content series as they work to foster equity and inclusion and create sustainable local communities.”
The Audi Goals Drive Progress initiative has funded over $4 million to support MLS academies – making an immeasurable impact on the lives and playing careers of young soccer players.
Launched in 2019, the initiative provides funding to further enhance the experience of young players on and off the field at MLS academies, which play an essential role in developing talented players in the U.S. and Canada. The Audi Goals Drive Progress program has evolved to not only support player development on the pitch but also bring an impact off the pitch by financially supporting and spotlighting MLS players’ community initiatives.
For more information on MLS Community efforts, please visit MLSsoccer.com, and join the conversation and excitement by following @Audi, @MLS and @MLSWORKS on social media.
ABOUT MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCERÂ
Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer -- celebrating its 28th season in 2023 -- features 30 clubs throughout the United States and Canada, including a new expansion team in San Diego that will debut in 2025. All MLS, Leagues Cup,and select MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT matches can be watched through MLS Season Pass, available on the Apple TV app on Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, set-top boxes, and game consoles, and the web at tv.apple.com. MLS Season Pass will feature the most expansive and accessible lineup of programming ever for MLS fans. For more information about MLS, visit mlssoccer.com. For more information about the Apple TV app, visit apple.com/apple-tv-app.
ABOUT AUDI OF AMERICAAt Audi of America, we believe the future is electric. By 2025, our U.S. model lineup will be at least 30 percent electrified, including fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Globally, we are committed to net CO2 neutrality by 2050. In 2022, Audi sold 186,875 vehicles in the U.S., sold more fully electric models than ever before, and achieved a record-breaking year in after sales. Learn more about who we are and how we're working to create a more sustainable, innovative, and inclusive future at audiusa.com or media.audiusa.com.
Media Contacts:
For Major League Soccer
Angela Alfano
For Audi
Amanda Koons
