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Aníbal Godoy speaks to children from the World Cup: 'Dreams can come true'
🇵🇦 Panama /Sports

Aníbal Godoy speaks to children from the World Cup: 'Dreams can come true'

From TVN Panamá · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Panamanian footballer Aníbal Godoy sent a message of hope to children from the World Cup.
  • He emphasized that reaching the World Cup requires hard work, perseverance, and self-belief.
  • Godoy, Panama's most capped player, is participating in his second World Cup.

From the World Cup training camp, Panamanian footballer Aníbal Godoy shared an inspiring message with children, emphasizing that dreams can indeed come true. "Today I want to tell all children who dream of football something very special," Godoy posted on Instagram, where he has over 103,000 followers.

Today I want to tell all children who dream of football something very special.

— Aníbal GodoyIn an Instagram post shared from the World Cup training camp.

Godoy, a key player for Panama, explained that reaching the World Cup is not a matter of luck but the result of dedication, persistence, and faith. "I also started like you: dreaming on a field, imagining big stadiums, and believing that everything was possible," he wrote with his characteristic sincerity.

The message comes at a significant time for Panama, as the team prepares for its World Cup debut in Group L alongside Croatia, England, and Ghana. Panama will face Ghana on Wednesday, June 17. For Godoy, this World Cup represents more than just a sporting event; it's the culmination of a career dedicated to representing his country.

I also started like you: dreaming on a field, imagining big stadiums, and believing that everything was possible.

— Aníbal GodoyReflecting on his own journey to professional football.

With over 157 international appearances since his debut in 2010, the midfielder is Panama's most capped player. This will be his second World Cup appearance, having also played in Russia in 2018. He even got a tattoo of the tournament's symbol on his arm to commemorate qualifying for this prestigious event.

The passion, the love, the sacrifice for your country, for your teammate, I think that's something very special and unique within this group.

— Aníbal GodoyDescribing the team spirit ahead of the World Cup.

Upon arriving in Canada for the final preparation stage, Godoy highlighted the positive team atmosphere and the squad's confidence. "The passion, the love, the sacrifice for your country, for your teammate, I think that's something very special and unique within this group," he stated. This spirit is what he conveyed in his Instagram post, concluding with a phrase that has resonated with fans: "Because someday, that child who never gave up might be playing on the biggest stage in the world."

Because someday, that child who never gave up might be playing on the biggest stage in the world.

— Aníbal GodoyConcluding his inspirational message to young aspiring footballers.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by TVN Panamá in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.