Free-kick fame Fida Fathima to watch Ronaldo at FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Little did she know, when Fida Fathima was trying a Cristiano Ronaldo free-kick at her school ground in the southern Indian state of Kerala, that she would fly to Qatar to watch her favourite footballer playing for his national team.
Young Fida is excited as she will be, if things pan out as planned, and she is able to watch the Group H match between Portugal and Uruguay on November 28 at Lusail Stadium. Recently, Fida’s video of her scoring a free-kick goal had gone viral on social media.
The video shows the 9th grade student giving a little spin on the ball and forcing it to dip suddenly downward with a super-charged velocity. The goal, lauded as a ‘Rono Style Freekick’, struck a chord with the social media. In appreciation to the young prodigy, Mosafer Travel and Tourism in Doha stepped in and arranged for her a match ticket and transportation.
“Enthused by the charm and energy of his football, I got a penchant for watching Cristiano Ronaldo playing and celebrating after he scores each time. I am thrilled to see him playing from close,” Fida told Gulf Times.
Fida is currently studying at AMHSS at Thirurkad in Malappuram and is a member of the school football team. The much celebrated goal came last month while she was taking part in a friendly match, held at the school as part of the Indian Independence Day celebrations.
The video was shared by Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty, who praised the girl on his official Facebook account. Taking note of the video, Mosafer Travel and Tourism general manager Firos Nattu contacted the girl’s family and made the initial arrangements.
“We tried to give the girl what she deserved. We have made all arrangements and asked the family to make her ready to fly. She will be welcomed in Qatar by the football fans,” Firos said.
Fida’s fascination with football dates back to her early school years. “While I was in my ancestral home, my cousins took me to the football ground and I used to play with them,” she said, while reminiscing the memories with her cousins Shiyas, Siyad and Rishan. Mansoor, a cousin of Fida, is a professional football player.
Fida also owes gratitude to her father Shihabudheen M V, who serves as cleric of a nearby mosque. “I am happy to see her playing. I want my girl to get what she deserves, enjoy and achieve,” he said.
