When Argentina found the back of the net for its second goal against England on July 15, soccer fans across the globe erupted in celebration. In Borujen, Iran, one young supporter shared that excitement in a remarkable way, thanks to the creativity and dedication of his father.
Nine-year-old Alireza Babajani, who is visually impaired, experienced every key moment of the World Cup semifinal through a handmade tactile soccer board designed specifically for him. Instead of watching the match on a television screen, he followed the action by feeling the movement of the ball across a miniature soccer field while his father described every pass, tackle, and goal.
A video of the touching moment, shared by Storyful, shows Alireza smiling as his father, Ardashir Babajani, carefully guides his hand across the raised surface of the homemade board. As Argentina scored its second goal, the young fan immediately recognized what had happened and celebrated alongside millions of supporters watching around the world.
The memorable scene unfolded during Argentina’s World Cup semifinal victory over England, a win that secured the team’s place in the championship match against Spain.
According to CNN, Ardashir developed the idea after realizing that traditional television broadcasts did not allow his son to fully experience the excitement of a live soccer match. Determined to bridge that gap, he built a simple cardboard model resembling a soccer field. During games, he moves his son’s hand across the board to represent the ball’s location while providing live commentary, creating a hands-on way for Alireza to follow every important play as it happens.
What began as a simple project has grown into a cherished family tradition centered around their shared love of soccer and their favorite national team, Argentina. The tactile board allows Alireza to connect with the sport in a way that television audio alone never could.
The family’s story has attracted widespread attention online. Viewers from around the world have praised the father’s ingenuity and dedication, with many expressing hope that Alireza will someday have the opportunity to attend an Argentina match in person and experience the atmosphere firsthand.
Beyond his passion for soccer, Alireza has also developed impressive musical talent. CNN reported that he is an accomplished piano player, and his father frequently shares videos of his performances on TikTok. While those musical clips have drawn admiration, it is the father-and-son videos documenting their unique World Cup tradition that have resonated most deeply with audiences.
As Argentina moved one step closer to winning the World Cup, the celebration inside the Babajani home served as a reminder that sports can bring people together in meaningful ways. Through a homemade tactile soccer field and a father’s determination, one young fan was able to experience every thrilling moment of his favorite team’s journey.
