Ronaldo Fulfills Dream for Two Boys with Muscular Dystrophy

Michael and Vladimir Berestovsky, two brothers living with muscular dystrophy, had their dream come true when they received two footballs autographed by Cristiano Ronaldo. This incredible surprise unfolded during the 2026 World Cup bronze medal match between England and France, a chance encounter making it all possible.

The story began when Alina Hoberg, FIFA's Human Rights and Sustainability Coordinator, was conducting routine accessibility checks during the group stage match between Colombia and Portugal in Miami. While touring the accessible seating sections, she met the Berestovsky family.

"They approached me and told me they had the best day of their lives because it was the first game they saw Cristiano Ronaldo play live," Hoberg recounted to FIFA. "Even in conversation with them, I found them special. The boys were smiling. They were happy to be there. They said they had the best day of their lives. So, when they gave me the letter, I knew I had to do something and couldn't let them down."

The family's connection to Ronaldo, particularly through their mother, Anna Berestovsky, spans many years. "We watched Cristiano Ronaldo play (on TV) when I was 15, and since then I've watched every championship, Euros, and World Cup," she stated. Her son Vladimir became a fan of the Portuguese forward at the age of five:

The family had endured a challenging year, with both boys undergoing leg surgeries shortly before the World Cup. Hoping to fulfill her sons' dream, Anna wrote a letter detailing their story and sent it to various television channels and organizations, but without success. "Since it was already during the Championship, they told me it was a bit late to organize major events," she explained.

Despite the setbacks, the family managed to secure tickets for Portugal's match with the help of relatives and friends. It was there, almost by chance, that a second letter found its way into the right hands. "My husband had a letter in his backpack. It was accidental, not planned," Anna shared. Her husband suggested handing it to a FIFA representative or a journalist. Without a pen, they improvised: "I had mascara, and he wrote my phone number with the mascara." The letter was offered to several people, but it was Alina Hoberg who accepted it.

Days later, Anna received a message that brought her to tears. "Honestly, I started crying. I called her, and she said there was a chance the dream we all hoped for would come true." FIFA invited the family to the bronze medal match, where England defeated France 6-4, unaware that this was where their surprise awaited.

The experience deeply impacted the family, as Anna noted, launching an Instagram channel that same day to share their story. "All of this is truly inspiring," she said. "My children wanted to try to be famous bloggers one day. Just to inspire other families, other children, that dreaming is great, but for dreams to come true, you have to do things for it."

"You have to work hard every day, but never stop dreaming. That's very important," she concluded.