Unable to buy it, 11-year-old Peruvian boy creates his own World Cup sticker album
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- An 11-year-old Peruvian boy created his own World Cup sticker album by hand after being unable to afford the official version.
- Mathias Kazuo Flores Tamayo used drawings and colored pencils to design each page, drawing inspiration from past tournaments and internet references.
- His handmade album gained viral attention on TikTok, earning praise for its detail and uniqueness, and inspiring others to create their own alternatives to expensive collectibles.
Mathias Kazuo Flores Tamayo, an 11-year-old from Comas, Peru, turned his disappointment over not being able to buy the official World Cup 2026 sticker album into a heartwarming display of creativity. Unable to afford the commercial version, Mathias decided to craft his own, transforming simple sheets of paper and colored pencils into a unique collectible.
If you want something, you can achieve it in different ways. Even if you can't buy it, you can always create it yourself.
"If you want something, you can achieve it in different ways. Even if you can't buy it, you can always create it yourself," Mathias reflected. He meticulously designed each page, referencing past World Cup albums and online images. His dedication was evident, with the cover taking about 10 minutes and interior pages requiring careful organization and numbering of each sticker space. This handmade album became a testament to his artistic talent and resourcefulness.
The project remained private until April 24, when Mathias shared a video of his creation on TikTok. The response was immediate and overwhelming. The video quickly garnered views and comments, with users praising the album's intricate details and the evident dedication. Many noted that while commercial albums are accessible, Mathias's creation was a one-of-a-kind piece.
It made me feel very happy because I understood that my work was special and unique, having made it with my own hands.
The story resonated beyond Peru's borders, with messages of congratulations pouring in from countries like Mexico. "It made me feel very happy because I understood that my work was special and unique, having made it with my own hands," Mathias shared. While he loves football, with Cristiano Ronaldo among his favorites, Mathias's true passion lies in art. He aspires to a future in creative fields, such as painting, architecture, or graphic design, continuing to draw and develop new ideas from his room in Comas.
I would like to be a painter, architect, or graphic designer.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by La República in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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