A young footballer who plays for the youth team of Zenica's Čelik has found himself in the spotlight despite not being on the field. As one of the ball boys at the Bilino Polje stadium, Afan reacted instinctively and, as it turned out, decisively during a penalty shootout. Specifically, at a crucial moment in the match, he noticed that the Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was using a note during the penalties. In a split second, he decided to run onto the field and take it. "Throughout the entire match, I was thinking about how I could help my idols. When I saw the note, I didn’t think about the consequences—I just wanted to do something useful for my country," Afan told the prestigious Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport. His move clearly threw Donnarumma off his rhythm. The Italian goalkeeper reacted angrily, even arguing with security and trying to retrieve the note, but the referee had to intervene. Visibly unsettled, Donnarumma failed to maintain his concentration, which the Bosnian players took advantage of. Although public reactions have been divided, young Afan remains grounded. "I have great respect for Italy. I didn’t want to punish anyone. This is sports—what happens on the field stays on the field," he said. There have been negative comments on social media, but he says they don’t affect him too much. "I’m just Afan, a 14-year-old boy who follows the rules. My goal is a successful career, perhaps at a big European club. My idol is Cristiano Ronaldo—his work ethic and approach inspire me. I dream of one day playing for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team." Afan is already achieving outstanding results in the youth league, with 18 goals and 14 assists in 12 appearances. His team has scored a total of 53 goals, and he has directly contributed to 32 of them. He receives special support from his family, especially from his father, Emir, who attends every match. "My father is my biggest supporter and anchor. He helps me make important decisions." After the match, Afan called his father first, and together they decided to keep the controversial note. They also plan to organize a charity auction to sell Donnarumma’s item, with all proceeds donated to children in need. Although he hasn’t spoken to Donnarumma since the match, Afan hopes there is no hard feelings. "I haven’t spoken to him after the match. It’s part of sports and rivalry. I hope he isn’t angry with me." The young hero from Zenica is already living his dream, and many fans hope to see him soon playing alongside Bosnia and Herzegovina’s best players in major competitions.