The Croatian national team will donate the entirety of the World Cup prize money to a special fund for children, it has emerged.
In Russia, Zlatko Dalić's side had a fairytale run to the final, where they were beaten 4-2 by France. But still, the tournament was wholly successful for the nation as they achieved their best ever finish in a World Cup tournament and did their country proud.
Coming second out of 32 teams brings a big pool of prize money (£21 million according to reports) for the players and coaching staff but the group have elected to donate their bonuses to underprivileged children so that they can go on summer holidays.
It's a wonderful gesture that shows the sheer pride of pulling on your country's colours in the World Cup exceeds financial gain.
For England players, it is a tradition to donate their match fees to charity and have raised over £5 million for a slew of initiatives and projects since setting up the scheme up in 2007. That amount will have increased hugely following the Three Lions' run to the semi-finals under Gareth Southgate.
However, some other nations do not make it compulsory - which is why France World Cup hero Kylian Mbappe is rightly receiving plaudits for his selfless gesture.
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The 19-year old, who won the Silver Ball for being the best young player in the tournament, decided to donate his earnings from the tournament to a charity that gives free sports instruction to hospitalised and disabled children in sports, Premiers de Cordee.
Sports Illustrated reported that Mbappe earns about £17,000 ($22,534) for each game he plays, with bonuses. It was also reported that he received a £265,000 ($351,000) bonus if France won the tournament (which we all know they did).
Topics: Football News, Football, Croatia, England, World Cup, France
