A group of students from Johan Cruyff Academy studied the topic of athletes as role models in society and produced a report that includes arguments both in favor and against this idea
The figure of the elite athlete has evolved beyond sports performance to become a cultural and social phenomenon of great impact. Their presence on social media and in the media positions them as references for millions of followers worldwide. But is it fair to demand that athletes be role models in society?
Athletes and their social media influence
If we look at the top 100 most-followed Instagram accounts, we find that 15 belong to athletes, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who hold the second and third spots in the global ranking. This massive visibility makes athletes influential figures, shaping attitudes and behaviors, especially among younger generations.
Social media has transformed the relationship between athletes and their followers. Beyond their performance on the field, their public image, values, and actions off the pitch directly impact society. However, a dilemma arises: to what extent should athletes assume this role of social leadership?
In the “Good Business” course, students at Johan Cruyff Academy Amsterdam delved into this ethical issue, analyzing how media pressure and public expectations affect elite athletes.
Beyond performance: athletes as public figures
Since ancient times, sport has been a tool for social cohesion and a reflection of values such as discipline, effort, and perseverance. However, today athletes are expected to be more than just good at their discipline: they are expected to be examples of conduct both on and off the field.
At the same time, the economic impact of sport reinforces this trend. Companies and brands seek to associate themselves with influential athletes to strengthen their image and connect more with the public. A clear example is Gatorade’s iconic 1990s campaign with Michael Jordan and the slogan Be like Mike.
However, this expectation can become a double-edged sword when athletes express opinions on political or social issues. A recent example is Kylian Mbappé and other players from the French national team, who urged people to vote against Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN). This stance sparked mixed reactions in the media and among the public, reigniting the debate about athletes’ rights to engage in public conversations.
On the other hand, the growing exposure on social media has also led to greater invasions of athletes’ privacy. One example is Dutch speed skater Jutta Leerdam, who shared that her performance at the Calgary World Cup was affected by menstruation. Her honesty drew both support and criticism, showing the complexity of being a public figure in sports.
Two opposing views: Barkley vs. Malone
American philosopher Christopher Heath Wellman explains that athletes adopt two opposing attitudes regarding this issue. According to him, there are “skeptics” and “exemplarists.” The first group believes an athlete is just a professional who should only be expected to excel at their job, that is, to be a good player on the field. In contrast, “exemplarists” believe athletes have a responsibility toward the public, due to their media presence and the identification they spark among fans.
Wellman illustrates both perspectives through a controversy between two NBA players: Charles Barkley and Karl Malone. When criticized for being a poor role model for children due to his behavior off the court, Barkley stated he was not a role model. According to him, parents should be the ones setting an example for their children, not him, who was simply a professional athlete.
Karl Malone, another NBA player, responded to Barkley’s stance by stating that athletes like them, competing in the world’s top basketball league, were inevitably role models for the children who admired them.
Key questions about athletes’ responsibilities
Students from Johan Cruyff Academy Amsterdam raised several fundamental questions in their research:
- Is it fair to expect athletes to act as role models outside of their discipline?
- How do fame and the athlete’s age influence the public’s expectations of them?
- Where is the line between an athlete’s social responsibility and their right to freedom of expression?
Arguments for and against athletes as role models
In favor: the power of sport to inspire
Athletes have great influence in society and can be a source of inspiration for younger generations. Pep Guardiola, in an interview with Johan Cruyff Institute, said: “I’ve always thought sport is the most powerful tool for education.”
The values conveyed through football, basketball, athletics, and other sports can positively influence youth. Elite athletes, due to their visibility, have a unique opportunity to promote social causes, generate positive impact, and motivate others to pursue their goals.
An example is Bachar Houli, former Australian AFL player, who has worked actively to inspire Muslim youth through his Bachar Houli Foundation, focused on developing young leaders within his community.
Another example could be Vôlei 5, a volleyball school in Florianópolis founded by Brazilian volleyball player Pedro Jukoski, together with his father and sister, who are also professional athletes. The project is a sports school with an inclusive approach, working with people with special needs and offering support in key areas such as nutrition, psychology, and English classes.
Moreover, seeing sports figures overcome challenges and achieve success can boost young people’s self-confidence, foster a sense of belonging, and provide them with positive role models.
Against: the pressure and risks of idealization
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On the other hand, expecting athletes to be flawless role models can set unrealistic standards for young people. Extreme idealization can lead to frustration or feelings of inadequacy when they fail to live up to their idols.
After the controversy, Charles Barkley filmed a Nike commercial in 1993, where he stated: “I am not a role model.” As we saw, Barkley argued that educating children is the responsibility of parents, not athletes. This view becomes particularly relevant when considering the pressure athletes face to maintain a flawless image.
A well-known case is Simone Biles at the Tokyo Olympics. The gymnast faced a wave of criticism for not meeting fans’ expectations, leading her to declare on Instagram: “I truly feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders at times.”
The constant pressure to be a role model can lead to stress, anxiety, and mental exhaustion. Many experts advocate for greater protection of athletes, prioritizing their mental health and reducing media pressure.
Conclusion: striking a balance
The study by Johan Cruyff Academy students concludes that athletes are well aware of the impact they have on society—but also of the burden it entails.
While their influence can be used to convey positive values, it’s essential to find a balance that respects their personal boundaries. The key lies in creating an environment where athletes can inspire others without being forced to fit into an unrealistic ideal.
Ultimately, the responsibility to educate and transmit values falls on multiple actors: family, institutions, and society as a whole—not just athletes.
The report was developed by students from Johan Cruyff Academy Amsterdam for the course “Good Business,” taught by professor Guus Heijnen. The authors were Tessa de Jong, Roos Zwetsloot, Sam van den Burg, Steve Appel, and Lance van der Willigen. This publication is based on their report.
