Artikel ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis keterkaitan antara sepakbola dan tujuan pembangunan berkelanjutan (SDGs) melalui kajian literatur sistematis berbasis database Scopus. Kajian ini mencakup dua fokus utama: (1) analisis bibliometrik terhadap tren publikasi, distribusi negara, area subjek, serta co-ocurrence kata kunci; dan (2) analisis secara sistematis isi artikel terkait jenis penelitian, subjek, fokus analisis, serta temuan utama yang berhubungan dengan SDGs. Hasil menunjukkan adanya peningkatan tajam publikasi sejak tahun 2021, didorong oleh refleksi pasca-pandemi COVID-19 dan tekanan global terhadap keberlanjutan. Mayoritas artikel berasal dari ilmu sosial, namun kontribusi juga muncul dari bidang lingkungan, bisnis, teknologi, dan kesehatan. Konten artikel mencerminkan bahwa sepakbola berperan penting dalam inklusi sosial, pendidikan, kesetaraan gender, tata kota, serta pembangunan komunitas. Temuan menarik lainnya termasuk penggunaan stadion multifungsi, jejak karbon transportasi tim, serta kampanye digital yang mendukung SDGs. Kajian ini menyimpulkan bahwa sepakbola tidak hanya menjadi wahana hiburan, tetapi juga alat transformasional dalam pembangunan global. Kajian lebih lanjut perlu mengeksplorasi konteks negara berkembang dan keterkaitan sepakbola dengan SDG yang belum banyak dikaji secara mendalam. Exploring the contribution of football to sustainable development goals: A Scopus database literature review Abstract: This study aims to analyze the relationship between football and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a systematic literature review based on the Scopus database. The review focuses on two main objectives: (1) a bibliometric analysis of publication trends, country distribution, subject areas, and keyword co-occurrence; and (2) a systematic analysis of the content of articles related to the type of research, subject, focus of analysis, and key findings related to SDGs. Results reveal a sharp increase in publications since 2021, driven by post-COVID-19 reflection and increasing global pressure on sustainability. Most articles originate from the social sciences, though contributions also emerge from environmental studies, business, technology, and health. Content analysis indicates football’s significant role in social inclusion, education, gender equality, urban development, and community building. Notable findings include multifunctional stadium use, team transport carbon footprint, and digital campaigns aligned with SDGs. This review concludes that football is not merely a source of entertainment but a transformational tool in global development. Future research should address underrepresented Global South contexts and further explore football’s linkage with lesser-studied SDGs such as climate action, clean water, and biodiversity, using longitudinal and interdisciplinary approaches to assess long-term impacts.