Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s true colours clear to see with what he’s doing for youth players

Mikel Arteta has been announced as Under Armour's new global ambassador – a role that will see the Arsenal manager look to transform the lives of aspiring footballers.

The partnership between one of the Premier League's most respected tacticians and the American sportswear giant comes as a result of Under Armour's expansion into football. Arteta will share his knowledge and understanding of the sport to areas such as brand development, talent spotting and leadership.

A significant part of his new role will also involve developing the future generation of athletes through his involvement in Under Armour's Next programme. Under Armour began its Next initiative in 2023 with the aim of inspiring, supporting and celebrating the next generation of athletes hoping to make their mark.

The programme offers players aged between 16 and 20, including those released from professional football clubs, the chance to join the programme and challenge themselves at the UA Next Academy in London.

Successful participants earn a place on the UA Next roster, gaining access to professional-level support, experts, facilities and experiences designed to elevate their game. To date, over 10,000 athletes have been tested and 18 contracts awarded, with Arteta set to play a pivotal role in the programme's evolution.

Under Armour views Arteta as an ideal fit for the position due to his impressive record of giving young players a platform to thrive throughout his time as Arsenal boss. However, the Spaniard himself is eager to use his exceptional talent-spotting and player development skills to make a significant impact in the city he now considers home.

“When we are sitting in our roles, we have a massive opportunity to transform people’s lives and I really want to use that opportunity,” he explained.

“I had people that made decisions, took chances and changed my life, changed the course of my life, my family and the way I live my life, and I want to do that as often as possible and as much as possible, and it can be in various ways and around football.

“With Under Armour, I think we have a massive opportunity to give so many people hope, opportunities and transform their lives, and make sure that everybody that is here, in London, and across Europe, can see that opportunity is possible and we’re going to create that pathway for them.

“The least I can do is try to give back. I’ve been given so much and I’ve been given opportunity after opportunity and I try to surround myself with the best possible environment.

"There’s no better environment than this [Under Armour] and people who are so passionate about it and are very willing to transform peoples lives, transform products and be very creative about how to approach something with the level of passion and ambition that [founder and CEO] Kevin [Plank] is showing. It’s not just to do something, but it’s about being the best at something.”

He continued: “When you have to have the sense that a player is prepared to handle a certain situation and has the personality to overcome certain exposure at this level. It’s the most fulfilling thing. I’ve never felt so good as when I give an opportunity to someone and then they give it back – it’s just phenomenal.”

The announcement of Arteta’s new role will be followed by a new football campaign from Under Armour, ‘Be The Problem’, which launches this Friday ahead of the start of the new football season. Under Armour believes Arteta embodies the campaign due to his “elite tactical mind constantly seeking ways to disrupt teams”.

“Bringing Mikel on-board will revolutionise our football business and demonstrates how serious we are about leading the next generation of football,” Plank said.

“I have a great rapport with Mikel and admire how he constantly pushes himself and those around him through his disruptive thinking. For me there really is no one more qualified or suited to the role.”

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