Goalkeeper Alexéi Rojas Champions Sustainability in Football

Alexéi Rojas is not your typical goalkeeper. At just 21, he’s blending his passion for football with a commitment to environmental sustainability. "I’ve always enjoyed being different," the former Arsenal shot-stopper shares, emphasizing his unique role in the game. Rojas's journey started early. By the age of 15, he was already influencing change at Arsenal’s Hale End academy, opting to cycle instead of relying on a lift to training. His interest in sustainability was sparked by his mother, who works in wind energy. Visiting her office opened his eyes to the world of renewable energy. "I took the initiative to talk about sustainability with everyone at the academy," he recalls. "The staff recognized my passion, and I jumped at the chance to advocate for change. We need to fix this, I said." He identified clear issues: a lack of recycling bins, excessive plastic use, and wasted energy from lights that remained on. His efforts inspired teammates, who began using reusable bottles, demonstrating the impact one person can make. Rojas believes that football clubs must lead in sustainability. "Whether it’s how kits are made or the materials used, it’s crucial for clubs to push these initiatives," he insists. His gloves are made from recycled materials, and the manufacturer contributes to ocean plastic removal efforts. Traveling for matches and international tournaments often overlooks the carbon footprint involved. "We may not see immediate climate effects, but if we don’t prioritize the planet, we risk losing the very game we love," Rojas explains. He’s spoken at events like the London School of Economics and the Net Zero Summit to raise awareness about these pressing issues. Born in Basildon, Rojas has also represented Colombia at youth levels and witnessed the severe climate changes affecting both his home and abroad. The scorching summer of 2026 left many grassroots pitches in the UK parched and unplayable. "The conditions directly impact the future of the game," he states, noting that elite players often start their journeys in local parks. If those fields become unsuitable, opportunities will vanish. Rojas has even traveled to Kenya with Charity Boots to distribute donated kits. "It’s a win-win situation," he says. "We’re addressing sustainability by preventing waste and providing disadvantaged youth access to sports equipment, which can inspire them to engage with football." Though he sat on the Arsenal bench for matches in the Champions League and Carabao Cup under Mikel Arteta, Rojas never played in a senior match for the club. After eight years, he left Arsenal this summer to join Penafiel in Portugal's second tier. "Training with world-class players was a dream come true for me," he reflects. "Many of them were players I idolized just a few years ago. Being part of a Premier League squad and competing in top tournaments was everything I hoped for as a kid." While Rojas's aspirations have evolved, the power of football remains a central part of his mission, both on and off the field.