Ghanim Al Muftah: The boy who stole the show in WC opening ceremony alongside Morgan Freeman.

 

“This is 20-year-old Qatari, Ghanim Al-Muftah. He starred alongside Morgan Freeman and recited the #Quran in the #QatarWorldCup2022 opening ceremony.

Ghanim was born with a rare condition known as Caudal Regression Syndrome, affecting the development of the lower half of the body.

Many suggested his mother abort Ghanim but she decided to have him: “I will be his left leg and you will be his right leg”.

Ghanim became Qatar's youngest entrepreneur, having founded an ice-cream business. He plays multiple sports despite physical disabilities. At school, Ghanim used to play football wearing shoes on his hands and would chase after the ball with his "normal-sized" friends.

Rather than allowing the condition to stunt his life, Ghanim has learned to overcome obstacles with positivity. He is currently pursuing his university degree, majoring in political sciences with a goal of becoming a diplomat.” 

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In a statement, the Loughborough University politics student said, "Within my capacities as a [Fifa World Cup] ambassador, I want to send a message of hope, inclusivity, peace, and unity for humanity."

The opening ceremony of the Qatar World Cup has been considered one of the best in recent memory. The show featured Hollywood legend Morgan Freeman alongside a 20-year-old Qatari YouTuber (who doesn't have the lower part of the body).

Ghanim Al Muftah, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, has defied all odds of life to become an inspiration to many. He was born with Caudal Regression Syndrome, a rare disorder that impairs the development of the lower spine. 

Many suggested his mother abort Muftah but she decided to have him. Doctors said he didn't have much of a chance of living beyond 15 years. But because of his strong willpower, Muftah did so and became Qatar's youngest entrepreneur, having founded an ice-cream business. He plays multiple sports despite physical disabilities. At school, Ghanim used to play football wearing shoes on his hands and would chase after the ball with his "normal-sized" friends.

Astonishingly, Ghanim has climbed Jebel Shams, the highest mountain peak in the entire Gulf region. 

When he was young, he expressed his desire to study political science at university with the goal of becoming Qatar's future prime minister. He's doing exactly that right now and may well become a diplomat in future.

Muftah hoped to "encourage dialogue on inclusion and diversity" with the opening ceremony of the World Cup. 

Al Muftah was chosen as one of the official FIFA World Cup Ambassadors this year.

In a statement, the Loughborough University politics student said, "Within my capacities as a [Fifa World Cup] ambassador, I want to send a message of hope, inclusivity, peace, and unity for humanity."