The People's Game:
Soccer and Human Rights
Video Credit: Discover Atlanta
exhibition overview
Soccer, on its own, does not change the world. But the people who play it can—and do.
To mark the World Cup in Atlanta, the Center presents The People’s Game: Soccer and Human Rights, a temporary exhibition on view through June 2027.
Through immersive experiences, original artifacts, compelling stories, and a hands-on foosball activity about teamwork, the exhibition explores how the world’s most popular sport has challenged injustice, inequality, racism, exclusion, and human rights abuses across the globe.
Featured stories include the Afghanistan Women’s National Team, Didier Drogba and the Ivory Coast national team during civil war, the FLN Team during Algeria’s fight for independence, refugee youth in Clarkston through Fugees Family, prisoners organizing soccer leagues on Robben Island during apartheid, the U.S. Women’s National Team’s fight for equal pay, and supporters and clubs including FC St. Pauli, Bohemian FC, and the Portland Timbers Army.
The People’s Game reveals how soccer can become more than a sport—it can become a language of dignity, resistance, and hope.
Presented by:
what you'll experience
- The Field of Resistance: Through artifacts, video, and real-world examples, explore how fans and players use soccer to speak out when other spaces are closed.
- We Take Care of Us: Experience how soccer communities show up in times of need.
- Many Voices, One Game: Step inside a multi-sensory soccer ball and hear stories of how the game becomes a platform for justice.
- Play Moments: Participate in a foosball match where teamwork—not winning—is the goal.
Legends of the Game
Get Up Close to Greatness
Explore a powerful collection of authentic signed jerseys representing some of the most celebrated players in soccer history. From World Cup champions to global icons, Legends of the Game honors the athletes whose impact extends far beyond the pitch.
Visitors can experience an immersive jersey wall featuring legendary players from across generations and nations — and capture a photo in front of their favorite football icon.
Featured players include:
- Lionel Messi
- Pelé
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Xavi
- Andrés Iniesta
- Ronaldinho
- Rivaldo
- Cafu
- Roberto Carlos
- Gianluigi Buffon
- Eusébio
- Zinedine Zidane
- Kevin De Bruyne
- Paolo Maldini
- Lamine Yamal
- Wayne Rooney
- George Weah
- Oliver Kahn
Explore the people's game in your language
Enhance your visit with the MIA App
As part of The People’s Game: Soccer and Human Rights, visitors can experience the exhibition through MIA, the Center’s multilingual interpretation app. Designed with global audiences in mind, MIA provides translated text and audio content in more than 30 languages through easy QR code access. Whether you are visiting from across town or across the world, MIA helps make the stories of soccer, justice, and human rights accessible to all.
SUMMER OF PLAY. SUMMER OF SAVINGS.
Save More with Four Tickets
For this summer, take advantage of our Four-Pack Offer. Purchase any four tickets and pay just $24 per ticket, plus tax. This exclusive offer is available for both walk-up and online purchases and applies to Anytime tickets.
Upcoming PRogramming
Join us during the World Cup season for special in-museum experiences celebrating the global game.
Events
List of events in Photo View
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Fan Zone
June 20 - July 20 -
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dates + Location
On View: Opening Summer 2026
Location: 3rd floor
Presented by: Gallagher and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation in partnership with Atlanta United
Stay connected
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