Today, 15-year old Ahmed Raza made headlines by making it from Sialkot to Moscow overnight.
Ahmed’s family is involved in crafting hand-stitched footballs for professional leagues, for generations now.
So, finally making it to the biggest football tournament is kinda, sorta, a big deal.
A historic moment for Pakistan as Ahmed, a 15-year old football fan from Sialkot, becomes part of the Coin toss ceremony. Cheer for Ahmed as Coca-Cola turns his dream into a reality on June 22 during the Brazil vs Costa Rica match at #FIFAWorldCup2018.#Ready #FootballWithCocacola pic.twitter.com/7Kdho4QCR5
— Coca-Cola Pakistan (@CokePk) June 21, 2018
And…it didn’t stop there.
Coca-Cola not only flew the teenager to his dream destination but also had him on the pitch for the Brazil vs Costa Rica today during the coin toss.
Extremely proud too see Pakistani representation at the #WorldCup
15 yr old, Ahmed Raza from Sialkot did the coin toss at the #BRACRC match just now! ⚽🇵🇰🏆— Hajra Khan (@hajrakn) June 22, 2018
Now, that’s a sweet deal.
Ahmed got the opportunity to meet his dream footballer and child prodigy Neymar Jr and got to hang out with the rest of the Brazilian squad which also happens to be his favorite team.
Ahmed Raza from Pakistan at the toss ceremony for the match between Brazil and Costa Rica. #FifaWorldCup18 pic.twitter.com/R8AxYx7JW1
— Husham Ahmed (@hushamahmed) June 22, 2018
After releasing Official FIFA World Cup Anthem featuring Qurat-ul-ain Balouch and Jason DeRulo, Coca-Cola continues to play an instrumental role in promoting football in Pakistan even further. This marks the first time a Pakistani will be present on the pitch of a FIFA World Cup Match in an official capacity.
Look at him, all smiles on the pitch:
Such an unbelievable moment.
This video has my heart.
Ahmed Raza sharing his feelings with us all 😭💖 so pure and Cute. #FootballwithCocaCola pic.twitter.com/250thQ7k4N
— دُعا طارق منصور (@duaaTM) June 22, 2018
Yep, all decked out for the big match.
This was him on the pitch as the coin was being tossed…
SO COOL.
Brb, crying.
What did you think about Ahmed’s extraordinary journey? Did this story also melt your heart? Are you also a football fan? Who do you think will be winning the FIFA World Cup? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.