In a poignant display of solidarity with those affected by dementia, the England football team will take to the pitch for the second half of their friendly match against Belgium without player names on their shirts.

The Football Association (FA) confirmed this unique initiative, which is part of the Alzheimer’s Society International dedication aimed at highlighting memory loss as a key symptom of dementia.

During the match at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday, England’s players will trade their traditional names on the back of their shirts for just their numbers.

This symbolic gesture seeks to draw attention to the devastating impact of memory loss experienced by individuals living with dementia, who may even struggle to recall the names of their favorite football players.

The initiative underscores football’s ability to evoke unforgettable memories and serves as a reminder of the broader social responsibility of the sport.