Bosnian Ball Boy Hailed as Hero for Hiding Donnarumma's Penalty Notes
Afan Cizmic, a 14-year-old ball boy from Bosnia and Herzegovina, has been celebrated as a national hero after secretly taking penalty shootout notes belonging to Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma during the World Cup 2026 qualifying playoff final. The incident occurred at Bilino Polje Stadium in Zenica on March 31, 2026, where Bosnia defeated Italy to secure their place in the tournament. Cizmic noticed Donnarumma reading a list of Bosnian penalty takers tucked behind a towel and removed it before the kicks began. Following the match, Donnarumma was unable to find his notes and appeared frustrated, while Bosnia won the shootout. Although the direct impact on the score remains unproven, Cizmic is now receiving global media attention, with fans urging the national team to include him in their World Cup squad. He plans to auction the note for charity.
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Bosnian Ball Boy Hailed as Hero for Hiding Donnarumma's Penalty Notes
Afan Cizmic, a 14-year-old ball boy from Bosnia and Herzegovina, has been celebrated as a national hero after secretly taking penalty shootout notes belonging to Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma during the World Cup 2026 qualifying playoff final. The incident occurred at Bilino Polje Stadium in Zenica on March 31, 2026, where Bosnia defeated Italy to secure their place in the tournament. Cizmic noticed Donnarumma reading a list of Bosnian penalty takers tucked behind a towel and removed it before the kicks began. Following the match, Donnarumma was unable to find his notes and appeared frustrated, while Bosnia won the shootout. Although the direct impact on the score remains unproven, Cizmic is now receiving global media attention, with fans urging the national team to include him in their World Cup squad. He plans to auction the note for charity.
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