Ghanim Al Muftah: The Qatari Youth Icon Who Shared the Stage With Morgan Freeman at World Cup Opening Ceremony

Ghanim Al Muftah: The Qatari Youth Icon Who Shared the Stage With Morgan Freeman at World Cup Opening Ceremony

Lukman Mumuni
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:17 PM
In this article:
FIFA World Cup logo
FIFA World Cup
International
  • Ghanim Al Muftah has become a global icon after delivering a powerful message at the opening ceremony of the World Cup
  • The young man was joined on the stage at Al Bayt stadium by veteran American actor Morgan Freeman
  • The 2022 FIFA World Cup has started with host nation Qatar losing their opening game to Ecuador

During the opening ceremony of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, there was a surprise appearance by iconic Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman but he was not on the Al Bayt stadium pitch alone.

The American superstar was spotted with a young physically-challenged Qatari boy, who grabbed the attention of the world with his beautiful message and Quranic recitation.

The boy known in real life as Ghanim Al Muftah is a Qatari youth icon, who has become an inspiration for many young people in the gulf.

Ghanim Al Muftah, World Cup, Qatar, Opening Ceremony
Ghanim Al Muftah has delivered a strong message during opening ceremony of World Cup. Credit: @g_almuftah @SquawkaNews
Source: Twitter

Who is Ghanin Al Muftah?

Al Muftah was born a twin and has a Caudal Regression Syndrome, a rare disorder that impairs the development of the lower spine. Despite his condition, Al Muftah lived beyond 15 years.

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He is one of FIFA's ambassadors at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Al Muftah has defied all odds and currently studies political science as he has ambitions of becoming a diplomat. He has about 3 million followers on Instagram and is very popular on Tik Tok.

The Qatari youth icon has garnered huge following his appearance on the world stage after he made a powerful speech during the opening ceremony of the World Cup.

Even though Al Muftah walks with the aid of his hands, the young man does a lot including driving.

His story is seen as a perfect example of disability does not mean inability.

Morgan Freeman delivers strong message at World Cup

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that celebrated American movie icon Morgan Freeman made an appearance at the opening ceremony of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Freeman alongside a Qatari poet Gandem Al Muftau opened the games with a message of unity, respect and community as the Gulf nation hosts the World Cup for the first time. Morgan Freeman has delivered a strong message at the World Cup opening ceremony.

In photos posted on social media, Freeman with his splendid grey hair is seen walking in the middle of the Al Bayt stadium.

BTS star dazzles at World Cup opening ceremony

BTS star Jung Kook produced a spectacular musical performance at the opening ceremony of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The member of the South Korean boy band group performed the official World Cup song Dreamers as he thrilled spectators at the Al Bayt stadium.

Thousands of fans sang and danced along his delivery as Qatar welcomes 31 nations for the global showpiece.

Authors
Lukman Mumuni photo
Lukman Mumuni
Lukman Abdul Mumin is a Sports Journalist based in Accra, Ghana. He has been writing for the past five years. Lukman joined Sports Brief as an Editor for the Local Desk in 2022.
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