The 2024 Paris Paralympics, which ran from August 28th to September 8th, featured a global stage for athletes with disabilities. Blind football, or B1 5-a-side soccer, is among over 500 represented medal events. B1 5-a-side soccer showcases visually impaired athletes’ incredibly skillful spatial awareness, speed, precision, and teamwork. Teams in the 2024 Paralympics participated in a historic games, paving the way for the champions of the future.
B1 5-a-side soccer is played on a standard 5-a-side futsal field. High boards along the rectangular field prevent the ball from leaving the playing area. Teams consist of 4 outfielders, who must all wear eye-covering masks. Outfielders must be classified B1, indicating very low visual acuity or no light prescription. Goalkeepers can be classified as B2 (sighted) or B3 (partially sighted). When defending, the goalkeeper can give his teammates directions, guiding their moves. When attacking, players receive directions from a sighted offensive guide, who is behind the opposing team’s goal. When the ball is in midfield, players receive direction from the coach. The ball is sewn with rattles or bells between the inner tube and the outer shell, making noise when it is in motion. Games last approximately 30 minutes, consisting of two 15-minute halves. Unlike conventional football, offside penalties are not in use, keeping the game in motion.
Conventional football, played with reliance on visual abilities, greatly differs from B1 5-a-side soccer, which is played with reliance on auditory abilities. Thus, spectators are asked to remain in strict silence to not disrupt players; players must rely on their hearing and team-guided communication. The audience is encouraged to cheer (loudly) only after goals.
In the finals, the French blind football team played a historic game against Argentina. France won 3-2 in a penalty shootout in the Eiffel Tower Stadium. France is the first team other than Brazil to win gold for blind football; Brazil has won all five previous golds since the inception of blind football in the 2004 Athens games. French fanatics celebrated by singing the national anthem, La Marseillaise, after the emotional, gold-medal winning game. Argentina previously beat Brazil in penalties during their third time competing in the blind football finals, winning silver in the 4-3 match. In a tight match against Colombia, Brazil won bronze in 1-0 win, the singular goal from their popular player, Jeffinho.
Since its incorporation into the Paralympic Games, blind football has become a widely popularized event, captivating both athletes and viewers alike. This year’s medaling teams’ determination and impressive sportsmanship will continue to inspire global fans for years to come.
