Adam Goodes is a celebrated former professional Australian Rules footballer, social justice advocate, and proud Adnyamathanha and Narungga man whose impact transcends sport. Over a career spanning 17 years with the Sydney Swans in the AFL, Goodes became a dual Brownlow Medalist, two-time premiership player, four-time All-Australian, and a member of the Indigenous Team of the Century. His achievements on the field place him among the greatest AFL players of all time.
But it is Goodes’ off-field courage that has defined his legacy. A passionate advocate for Indigenous rights, racial equality, and cultural understanding, he has used his platform to challenge discrimination and push for systemic change in Australia. In 2014, he was named Australian of the Year in recognition of his leadership and advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Goodes co-founded the GO Foundation with fellow AFL great Michael O’Loughlin, a charity that provides educational scholarships and support to Indigenous youth. The foundation empowers the next generation of First Nations leaders through access to high-quality education, cultural connection, and community engagement.
Adam has also become a powerful public speaker, sharing his story with audiences across corporate, educational, and government sectors. His keynotes cover leadership, inclusion, resilience, reconciliation, and identity. He speaks with humility and strength, offering insights into navigating adversity while staying grounded in values and culture.
His stance against racism, particularly during his final seasons in the AFL, sparked national debate and was later honored through documentaries like The Australian Dream and The Final Quarter, which highlight his role as both athlete and changemaker.
Today, Adam Goodes is more than a football legend - he is a cultural leader, educator, and symbol of what it means to stand tall in the face of adversity, speak truth to power, and work towards a more just and inclusive Australia.
Languages: English
Country: Australia
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