Bosnian Ball Boy Becomes National Hero After Key Role in World Cup Qualifier

Afan Cizmic, a 14-year-old ball boy, gained national attention following his pivotal role in Bosnia and Herzegovina's World Cup qualifying match against Italy on March 31, 2026. The match, held at Bilino Polje Stadium in Zenica, ended in a 1-1 draw after regular time and proceeded to a penalty shootout. Cizmic, stationed on the sidelines, noticed Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma reading from a piece of paper that contained crucial information about Bosnian penalty takers. Seizing the moment, Cizmic took the notes and ran away, which some speculate may have contributed to Donnarumma's inability to save any of the four penalties he faced.

Al Jazeera (website)Ball boy who hid Donnarumma’s penalty notes hailed as unlikely hero in Bosnia win

Cizmic's decision to hide the notes has sparked discussions about the influence of ball boys in football. He expressed that he hesitated initially but ultimately acted on instinct, stating, “Whatever happens, happens.” His actions coincided with a frustrating moment for Donnarumma, who was visibly upset when he could not locate his notes. Cizmic remarked, “I was happy because I saw he got angry and lost concentration,” suggesting that his intervention may have affected the outcome of the shootout.

Ball boy who hid Donnarumma’s penalty notes hailed as unlikely hero in Bosnia win

In the aftermath of the match, Cizmic's actions led to a flurry of social media activity and national news coverage. While he received mixed reactions online, he defended his actions, asserting that any fan in his position would have done the same. “If we were playing in Italy, someone would have done it to our goalkeeper, Nikola Vasilj, too,” he stated. His father, Emir Cizmic, expressed pride in his son's actions, emphasizing the significant role ball boys can play in influencing match dynamics.

Al Jazeera (website)

Cizmic, who plays for local club Celik Zenica, dreams of representing the Bosnian national team in the future. He has preserved the note as a keepsake and plans to auction it, with all proceeds directed to charity. His coach, Vedad Mujcinovic, praised Cizmic as a hardworking individual who had specifically requested to be on duty for the Italy match, believing in a victory.

Ball boy who hid Donnarumma’s penalty notes hailed as unlikely hero in Bosnia win

Afan Cizmic's actions during the World Cup qualifying match have not only made him a celebrated figure in Bosnia but have also reignited discussions about the often-overlooked contributions of ball boys in football. His story serves as a reminder of how even small actions can have significant impacts in high-stakes situations.

Ball boy who hid Donnarumma’s penalty notes hailed as unlikely hero in Bosnia win