FIFPRO Africa’s representatives also feature Roberto Lopes (Cape Verde), Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria), and South Africans Terrence Mashego and Jermaine Seoposenwe.

In his new role, Wanyama will work closely with Kenya’s player union to ensure local representation is effectively carried onto the global stage with the backing of national associations.

The council’s mandate includes supporting FIFPRO and its member unions on critical player-focused issues such as the international match calendar, employment conditions, use of player data, online abuse, and more.

It also provides a forum to raise concerns affecting footballers worldwide, while tackling cross-border challenges like fixture congestion and adequate rest periods.

Wanyama joins 36 male and female players from around the globe tasked with ensuring footballers’ perspectives remain central in shaping the future of the sport.

Notable members include World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister, U.S. Women’s World Cup and Olympic champion Crystal Dunn, five-time Women’s Champions League winner Lucy Bronze, and national team captains such as Chris Wood, Jackson Irvine, Caroline Weir, Elena Linari, and Wataru Endo.

The Player Council, first launched in 2019, has now undergone a major revamp, leading to this new phase.

Though currently without a club, Wanyama remains one of Kenya’s most celebrated players. He made his national team debut in 2007 at just 15 in a friendly against Nigeria.

Six years later, he took over the Harambee Stars captaincy from Dennis Oliech and went on to lead the side at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt—the team’s first AFCON appearance in 15 years.

In September 2021, he officially retired from international duty after more than 60 caps and seven goals, choosing to focus solely on his club career.