Post by Santhosh R.

The Rolling Ball and the Flowing Memories ⚽ As the FIFA World Cup returns to North America in 2026, I found myself travelling back through my own World Cup memories — not just of football, but of childhood, family, life changes, and the moments that stayed with me. 1990 — The beginning I was 11 years old when my elder brother Jude took me to the local Arts & Sports Club in Sakthikulangara, Kollam, Kerala to watch the World Cup final. Televisions were not common in every home then, but the club had one. West Germany played Argentina. Germany won, but Maradona’s magic and Argentina’s spirit captured my imagination forever. I may not be an Argentina supporter today, but they have always had a special place in my heart. 1994 — The Brazilian samba By then I was a teenager, and we had a TV at home. Brazil, with Romário and Bebeto, brought joy and excitement. But the unforgettable image was Roberto Baggio — standing alone on the pitch after his missed penalty in the final. A moment of heartbreak that remains one of football’s most powerful memories. 1998 — A personal loss, a new World Cup My brother Jude, who introduced me to football and shared my love for the game, passed away in 1995. The 1998 World Cup carried different emotions. Zidane and France lifted their first World Cup trophy. Chilavert’s brilliance and Ronaldo’s disappointment in the final remain unforgettable memories. 2002 — The Brazilian masterpiece During my degree years, I watched Brazil’s incredible team of Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Roberto Carlos and others create magic and win the trophy. A tournament full of flair and unforgettable football. 2006 — Life had moved to Dubai France vs Italy. Zidane’s headbutt. Materazzi. The drama of football. For me, France deserved more from that final. 2010 — A new country, a new chapter After moving to UK and starting a family, my football identity changed too. Spain, powered by Iniesta’s winning goal, became world champions in South Africa. 2014 — Watching with my son My son was five years old, and we watched many matches together. I believed Messi would finally lift the trophy on Brazilian soil — but Mario Götze’s extra-time goal changed everything. 2018 — The rise of new generations France’s young team conquered Russia, while Croatia’s incredible journey with Luka Modrić inspired millions. England and Belgium also showed the strength of a new generation. 2022 — Messi’s moment Qatar gave football one of its greatest stories. Messi finally lifted the World Cup, and Argentina became champions of the world. 2026 — A new chapter begins… Every World Cup has been more than a tournament. It has been a timeline of my life — childhood memories, family moments, moving countries, becoming a father, and watching the beautiful game evolve. Football is never just 90 minutes. Sometimes, a ball rolling on a field carries decades of memories. ⚽ #FIFAWorldCup #FootballMemories #LifeJourney #Sports #Nostalgia