Brazilian boy with no feet invited to play soccer in Spain
September 13, 2012
Gabriel Muniz of Brazil will most likely not make it to a professional soccer team, but this has little to do with his determination or skill rather, it's because he was born with no feet. Muniz's mother, Sandra, said her son has always lived a normal life, regardless of his disability, according to Reuters.
Muniz started to walk on his stumps before he was one, and even though many did not believe he would be able to play any sport, he has surprised many with his soccer skills. Even though he was given a foot-ankle prosthesis, he opts for what he's got when it comes to soccer. His talent was deemed impressive by Spanish club's coaches, and Muniz was invited to Spain to meet his idol Lionel Messi.
"When he arrived there no one believed in him but he proved to everyone he can go head to head with any boy. So much so that he was invited to go to Spain to showcase his talent," his gym teacher Jose Lopes told the media outlet.
According to The Telegraph, with Muniz's determination, it seems as though they may have to start a new paralympic team sometime in the future.
"The disability only exists inside our heads and he is proving it to everyone - he is challenging the social norms. To this day there isn't a Paralympics 11-a-side football team, but Gabriel is showing this will have to change, because he wants to play 11-a-side football," Lopes told the news source.
Those who want to talk about Muniz can make calls to Brazil using international calling cards without breaking the bank.