African footballer of the year Emmanuel Adebayor has been named by the United Nations as a goodwill ambassador for its global awareness project to fight the spread of HIV and AIDS. The 25-year-old Togo and Arsenal striker will promote the UNAIDS program alongside Germany and Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack.

"On the pitch we compete - off the pitch we are uniting the world against AIDS," Adebayor said in a statement.

Michel Sidibe, executive director of UNAIDS, said: "Sports stars like Emmanuel are excellent role models for young people."