On November 28, Beijing time, the second round of Group F of the Qatar World Cup group stage, Croatia and Canada officially started. The picture shows the scene of the competition. Photo by China News Agency reporter Cui Nan
One Star of the Day: Davis coming out of the refugee camp
Beijing, 28 Nov (ZXS) -- One Star a Day: Davis who came out of the refugee camp
China News Agency reporter Gao Kai
On the 27th local time, in the second round of the group stage of the Qatar World Cup Group F, Canada and Croatia, Alfonso Davis scored with a header in the box, only 67 seconds after the kick-off.
The goal was the fastest since the start of the World Cup and the first World Cup goal in Canada's history.
Although Canada was eventually defeated, Davis' performance impressed the Maple Leafs, who returned to the World Cup finals after 36 years, as Canada coach Herderman said, "He (Davis) defined the team – confident, energetic and confident that anything is possible." ”
It may be hard to believe, but "defining" the national team is not an overstatement for the 22-year-old.
On the pitch, Davis has excellent speed, technique and off-ball running, and he is consistent and aggressive as a defender.
Davis joined Major League Soccer's Vancouver Whitecaps program at the age of 14 and quickly rose to prominence. Signed by Bayern Munich for 10 million euros at the age of 18, the talented player established himself as the main left-back at Bayern at the age of less than 20 and won four Bundesliga titles, one Champions League and one Club World Cup.
On June 14, 2017, in Canada's friendly against Curacao, Davis made his "debut" for the Canadian national team. In the Qatar World Cup qualifiers, Davis led the Canadian team to unexpectedly advance directly to the first place in North, Central America and the Caribbean.
It can be said that Davis is the leader of his first World Cup journey and is the heart of the team worthy of the name.
Off the field, the young national team leader has an inspirational story that inspires everyone.
On November 28, Beijing time, the second round of Group F of the Qatar World Cup group stage, Croatia and Canada officially started. The picture shows the Canadian team celebrating the goal. Photo by China News Agency reporter Cui Nan
Davis was born in a refugee camp in Ghana. In order to escape the war in his native Liberia, the family lived in the camp for five years, and after several journeys, Davis came to Canada as refugees with his parents. In elementary school, his football talent began to be discovered, and he was lamented by the coach as "a gift from heaven to football".
Today, Davis is recognized as a world-class player, but the "Canadian football hero" has never forgotten his refugee background.
On March 24, 2022, UNHCR appointed Davis as its latest Global Goodwill Ambassador. Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, said: "Davis as a professional footballer, his personal story, talent and triumphs, as well as his help and commitment to refugees, are unforgettable. ”
On November 28, Beijing time, the second round of Group F of the Qatar World Cup group stage, Croatia and Canada officially started. The picture shows Canada's No. 19 Davis scoring with a header in the opening 67 seconds.
"Refugees do not choose to become refugees, I want to prove by myself that refugees can also become successful football players and doctors..." As early as before the start of the World Cup, Davis expressed to the outside world that he planned to donate all the proceeds of this World Cup to Canadian charities.
He encouraged the children who are still living in the camps, "Who says children born in refugee camps can't succeed? Don't let anyone tell you that your dreams are unrealistic. Please keep chasing your dreams and keep making your dreams come true! ”
Davis' first World Cup journey is coming to an end after the group stage, but for the young team leader, the dream of passion and strength stretches into the future. (End)