There are many truly phenomenal sports at the Paralympic Games in Paris, but few events might be more impressive than blind soccer.
Blind soccer — also known as blind football — has existed since 1996 and is an adaptation of soccer for athletes with vision impairment. It was first featured during the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games, and it includes some unique differences to support athletes. Per the Paralympics’ site, teams consist of four outfield players and one goalkeeper. Outfield players are completely blind (with low visual acuity and/or no light perception), and goalkeepers are typically sighted or partially sighted.
To keep things fair, all outfield players must wear eyeshades when playing and can use off-field guides for assistance. The ball used in the field of play makes a noise that assists players with positioning and orientation. Considering all those facts, a penalty kick is all that much more incredible. You have to see this awesome shot during a France-Brazil matchup on Tuesday. It was awesome.
THIS is how a penalty kick works in blind soccer at the #ParisParalympics. pic.twitter.com/DOOniswgPs
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) September 3, 2024
