Ahmed Raza — the 15-year-old son of Shabbir Ahmed, a Pakistani football maker whose family has been hand stitching footballs for the FIFA World Cup for three generations — will conduct the coin toss at tomorrow's match between Brazil and Costa Rica.

According to a press release, Raza will make history on Friday by becoming the first ever Pakistani to be present on a World Cup field in an official capacity.

Ahmed Raza and his father Shabbir Ahmed in Moscow — Photo courtesy: Lotus PR
Ahmed Raza and his father Shabbir Ahmed in Moscow — Photo courtesy: Lotus PR

The 15-year-old and his father are both football fanatics and Raza's involvement in the FIFA World Cup 2018 is a dream come true for both of them, adds the press release.

Raza, who is a passionate fan of Neymar Jr and the Brazilian football team, will also have the opportunity to meet his favourites in person.

Coca-Cola, the company behind the initiative, is also taking Kaleemullah, the captain of Pakistan’s national football team (men), to Russia for FIFA World Cup 2018.

Ahmed Raza with celebrated filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy in Moscow. Chinoy is documenting Raza's journey to Moscow for a short film to be released in July this year. — Photo courtesy: Lotus PR
Ahmed Raza with celebrated filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy in Moscow. Chinoy is documenting Raza's journey to Moscow for a short film to be released in July this year. — Photo courtesy: Lotus PR

The company has collaborated with two-time Academy Award winning filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy to document Raza's journey from Sialkot to Moscow. The documentary is set to be released next month.

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