In April 2025, something unexpected happened on a football field in Spain — and it got the world talking about a topic that too often stays in the shadows: Testicular cancer.
Testicular Cancer Society (TCS) — a U.S.-based nonprofit organization — came up with a bold and creative idea to spread awareness about testicular cancer during Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, observed every April. In April 2025, with the La Liga 2024–25 season underway in Spain, TCS recognized that football’s massive global following offered a rare and impactful opportunity to reach millions.
The challenge wasn’t in getting the message out — it was where to place it.
Football jerseys are usually crowded with brand logos on the chest, sleeves, and back — areas that are prime real estate for sponsors. But TCS had a unique approach. They wanted to place their logo right over the crotch area of the shorts — the very area affected by testicular cancer.
Many clubs declined, feeling the placement was too unconventional. But one club said yes: Club Deportivo Leganés (CD Leganés).
In early April, during a high-profile match between CD Leganés and FC Barcelona, Leganés players took the field wearing shorts with the Testicular Cancer Society (TCS) logo — a cherry-shaped emblem with “Testicular Cancer Society” written around it — strategically placed over the crotch.
These specially designed shorts were worn during the pre-match photoshoot and team introductions, alongside the campaign’s striking slogan: #TenemosUnPar — Spanish for “We Have a Pair.”
The initiative — cheekily named the “Sponsored Balls” campaign — sparked global media attention and went instantly viral. Over 20 million people watched the match, and in the hours that followed, searches for “testicular cancer” reportedly increased by more than 700%.
People began googling symptoms, learning how to do self-exams, and most importantly — talking about it. News outlets across continents picked up the story. The campaign achieved exactly what it set out to do: start a conversation around a taboo topic.
While testicular cancer is relatively rare overall, it stands as the most common cancer affecting young men between the ages of 15 and 35.
Common symptoms include :
A painless lump or swelling in the testicle
Feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, or
Dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing testicular cancer. These include a history of undescended testes (cryptorchidism), family history of the disease, and infertility. Other possible risk factors include previous cancer in the opposite testis, HIV infection, and certain genetic conditions like Klinefelter syndrome.
Regular self-examination and early medical evaluation are key to early detection and successful treatment. The encouraging news is that testicular cancer is highly curable, especially when it’s caught early — making awareness and regular self-examination incredibly important.
So, how do you catch it early? Just like breast self-exams, there’s a simple way to check for testicular lumps at home.
🎥 Here’s a video from MANSCAPED in association with Testicular Cancer Society on how to perform a self-examination.
Yet despite being easily detectable, many men delay seeking help — often until the cancer has spread. Why? Because of the stigma and embarrassment surrounding anything to do with testicles. The silence costs lives.
This campaign by TCS and CD Leganés challenged that silence head-on. It used the power of football, humor, and visual boldness to break a taboo, open dialogue, and possibly save lives. Several campaigns around the world are helping spread the word about testicular cancer and the importance of early detection. The Movember Foundation uses the power of the moustache each November to get men talking about their health, while the #KnowYourBalls campaign adds a dose of humor to encourage self-checks.
In the UK, the OddBalls Foundation’s “Check Your Nuts” campaign reaches young men through schools and sports clubs, and survivor-led efforts like CheckEmLads share real stories to raise awareness. Every April, during Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, these voices get louder—reminding men that a simple check could save their lives.
But there’s still a long way to go. Let’s be vocal about testicular cancer, share the message, and encourage regular self-checks — because early detection saves lives.
SE