Nikollas was born five months premature, weighing just half a kilogram. Due to complications at birth, his retina never fully developed, leaving him blind. He was also diagnosed with mild autism. Determined to help her son experience the world in a meaningful way, Grecco turned to her lifelong passion—football. “Since my childhood, I have lived football,” she said. “Football in my life, in the life of my son, is life-changing. It is a love that transforms—a love for the art of playing football.” She began taking Nikollas to Palmeiras matches, but she soon noticed he was more attuned to the roar of the crowd than the game itself. That’s when she started narrating every moment for him. “I describe the details of the environment as well—the characteristics of each player, [such as] if they have dyed hair, long sleeves, the color of their boots. Narrating the goal is the most exciting part; I have no doubt about that.”
Mother offers live commentary for blind son at soccer matches, wins FIFA’s Best Fan Award
The mother explained every play, player detail and crowd reaction in a 2019 match.
A mother’s love is pure, selfless, and often revealed in the smallest yet most profound ways. That love was on full display during a 2019 soccer match, where a mother’s devotion touched hearts worldwide—earning her FIFA’s "Best Fan Award." Silvia Grecco was seen passionately narrating every detail of the game to her blind son, Nikollas, who listened intently while proudly wearing the same jersey as his mother. In an interview with FIFA, as reported by Inside FIFA, Grecco shared their story.
Grecco's narration allowed Nikollas to truly feel it. "At the stadium, there is complete freedom; he is transformed, he feels at ease, stands up, cheers, and jumps. Nikollas becomes another child. I am the eyes of Nikollas. I really try to pass on what I’m feeling to him, with the emotion of a mother who is both a fan and a narrator." Her efforts have had a profound impact, not just on her son but on those who see their story. "Being a mother, to me, is the best thing in the world; it’s heart, it’s soul, it’s life, it’s everything," Grecco said. Her love and effort didn’t go unnoticed, as FIFA later awarded her the "Best Fan Award" for her incredible gesture. During the FIFA ceremony, she and her son took the stage to accept the award.
The story was recently shared on Reddit by user u/Scientiaetnatura065, and it moved many online, inspiring countless comments that celebrated her as a hero. u/Maximum_Tap_4534 said, "This is the kind of stuff that belongs on this sub. Amazing mom and connection." u/LiveDifference4564 commented, "A wonderful mother, a beautiful human being. God bless and forever protect this woman and her family. We need more like her. Please." u/Haldi_wali_Doodh added, "Mother is one of the best things which happened to humans." u/TheRealJarebear humorously noted, "From the first picture, it looks like the mom told him a corny joke and he was over it. I figured it out 2 seconds later after scrolling pictures and re-reading the caption." u/Wendy-M wrote, "Just when I’m so aghast at the state of the world, someone pulls out an anecdote like this."
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