Portugal: Pedro Pauleta

Surrounded by the children of Portugal's first SOS Children's Village in Bicesse, near Lisbon, international football giant Pedro Pauleta became Portugal's first "FIFA for SOS Children's Villages" ambassador in November 2005.

Pedro, please tell us something about your new role?

The signing ceremony was held on 9 November 2005, during Pauleta's visit to the SOS Children's Village Bicesse. After Pauleta received his ambassador's certificate, he attended a small lunch in the village, where he addressed the audience: "It is a great responsibility, but it is something that pleases me very much. I will always be available for these children, because they need our help. We, public people, have the obligation to help all the children and children who are in out-of-home care organisations like SOS Children's Villages, because children are the future."

During the ceremony, the children of Bicesse presented Pauleta with a ball signed by all of them. Pauleta in turn autographed a ball and gave it to the SOS Children's Village, saying to the children, "Life is always difficult but the will, work and honesty - the bases of a good education - help to overcome these difficulties. Never give up of fighting."

Pauleta surrounded by SOS children in Bicesse

Pauleta promised to use his notoriety as a football great to increase exposure to the SOS Children's Villages in Portugal. "It is a great honour to be able to collaborate in assisting children. As far as my free time permits I will participate in actions for SOS Children's Villages and assume my responsibilities, also bringing friends and other people I know to this great institution."

Pauleta is Portugal's leading scorer with 43 goals in international play. He currently plays for Paris St. Germain and has scored an amazing 7 goals in only 13 games (November 2005).