When her father and his family gathered to watch a match, Kelly Fernandez vividly recalls being mesmerized by the enormous hockey fields that appeared on her tv every time.

“I was so impressed just thinking about how good the players must feel when they go out on the field, with thousands of fans surrounding them and their cheers echoing around them,” says Kelly, a Los Angeles resident.

Without knowing it, years later, the young woman, who also practices the sport, would experience that same sensation that she had imagined so many times.

Thanks to Coca-Cola and the Children's Miracle Network hospital, a team of young ambassadors was selected to be part of the inaugural games in the United States. Before tens of thousands of fans and a global television audience, children proudly carried national flags onto the field as part of the pre-match ceremony for one of the world's most famous sporting events.

Each flag bearer has overcome critical health issues or serious injuries, like Kelly, who has been playing soccer for 6 years and injured his ACL two years ago.

His passion for the sport is matched only by his determination to overcome the challenges that life often throws at him. In September 2024, Fernández suffered a serious injury to his right knee while playing in a match.

After being evaluated by Dr. Edison of Children's Miracle Network, she was diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in her right knee, requiring surgery. On October 21, 2024, the teen underwent a comprehensive procedure that included ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair, and a lateral extra-articular tenodesis with orthopedic sports medicine surgeon Dr. Mann.

From the beginning of his recovery, Fernández approached rehabilitation with unwavering focus and commitment.

“You hear stories, but you never think it's going to happen to you, and you have to stay mentally focused,” Kelly says, remembering how it felt to not be able to play the sport she loves. “And with my recovery I had to start from scratch; I couldn't even put my socks on, it was very difficult.”

He says that at first it was a shock; She felt a little depressed, but then she remembered what soccer had taught her: you should never lose sight of your goals; in your case, your recovery.

“Playing a sport teaches you to really dedicate yourself to your goals, and if you want to improve, you have to keep going and keep trying, no matter how many times you have to do it,” explains the soccer player. “And that's what I did, although at first the depression wanted to hit me because I went from being super active and independent to not being able to do anything alone.”

He completed 10 months of physical therapy and consistently surpassed key milestones throughout the process, demonstrating discipline, perseverance and a clear vision of his ultimate goal: returning to the soccer field stronger than before. His dedication never wavered, even during the most demanding phases of his recovery.

Kelly Fernández's effort and determination paid off when she was officially cleared to return to play on August 21, 2025.

He successfully rejoined regular training and competitive matches without difficulty, demonstrating not only his physical recovery but also his mental strength. And then she received the news that she was selected to be part of the team of young ambassadors that participated in the inaugural matches in the United States.

“When they first contacted me, I thought it was a joke; I didn't think it was real, but it was,” he laughs, remembering when the message arrived. “It was a thrill when I realized I was going to step onto the World Cup field.”

And then the day came, the United States game against Paraguay in the city of Los Angeles. Dressed in red and wearing the smile for which she is recognized, she held her flag alongside the other young people, who also accompanied her. He described the moment he took his first step onto the field as impressive, a surreal moment, and said he couldn't hold back his tears. The moment that she saw so much on television when she was a girl, she was finally going to live.

“Walking onto the field at the FIFA World Cup, it was so surreal and a once-in-a-lifetime moment that I will remember forever,” Kelly reveals. "Not just for me, but for my family. It's truly an honor."

He said there were several things that made that moment special, the biggest one was being able to share that moment with his parents.

“My dad was elated, very excited, and even more so when I told him I was going to take him to the World Cup with me,” she said. "It was very emotional to be able to tell him and also make his dream come true. It was beautiful."

“My parents are immigrants, and telling them that they could come with me made me so excited,” he added.

He explained that, before the day of the game, he had time to spend time with the other young people who were part of the group, and that many of them had also had similar stories of recovery; When he heard them, he was very moved.

“Football helps you create a sense of community both on and off the field, and this experience allowed me to meet other young people who know what it is like to be in the process of recovery and what it is to feel that desperation to get back on the field,” he said. “I felt understood, and like I was not alone in my experience.”

Since returning to the court, Kelly has maintained his strength and conditioning, while actively applying the biomechanical improvements he developed during rehab, both on and off the field.

Beyond her athletic achievements, this young woman is known for her positive spirit and inspiring presence. The career of this young woman and that of many of those who participated are a testament to her strength of character and serve as an example of perseverance, discipline and passion for the sport she loves.

“This experience really showed me that a bad moment can turn into a wonderful result,” Kelly reflected. “I would never have imagined that tearing my ACL and going through that difficult experience would allow me, one day, to be present at a FIFA World Cup match.”

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