“Setbacks Lead to Greatness”: Florida 3-Year-Old Footballer’s Fundraiser Gains Massive Support

• Nevada Pierre, a 3-year-old soccer player from Florida, was removed from a game and had police called on him during a match in Winter Park
• His mother Martasia Griffin launched a GoFundMe campaign to help Nevada find a new soccer home after the distressing incident
• The post went viral with thousands of people from across the world rallying behind the toddler and his family

A three-year-old boy from Florida became an unlikely internet sensation after being removed from a youth soccer game and having law enforcement called to the scene.

Nevada Pierre was playing with i9 Sports in Winter Park, Florida, on 24 October 2026 when he was pulled from the game over concerns about his skill level. The situation escalated quickly, leaving the toddler confused and distressed, unable to understand why he had been taken away from a sport he clearly adored.

His mother, Martasia Griffin, launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for Nevada to continue his soccer journey in a more nurturing environment. In the campaign, she described how Nevada had loved football since the age of one, with his father, Don Pierre, helping to develop his passion and skills from the very beginning. Donations will go towards registration fees, training costs, equipment, uniforms and travel expenses.

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Nevada's GoFundMe campaign goes viral

The campaign quickly drew global attention and has surpassed the asking amount to around R700k. Supporters from across Africa, Latin America and beyond flooded the comments to express their admiration. The family's Facebook page, Nevadaney10, which is managed by his parents, became a hub for messages of encouragement.

The fundraiser's goal was set at $30k, and the outpouring of support from around the world showed no signs of slowing down.

Nevada's family expressed gratitude for every share and kind word, writing that he "will have a new soccer home soon."

See the original post that sparked the global reaction below.

The world falls in love with Nevada

The comments section on the Facebook page quickly filled with people offering Nevada places on teams, coaching roles and even national contracts — all with a sense of humour.

@Washington Cg Malama said:

"You are all missing something here. Do you know that after calling the police officers on this young boy, he became more famous…"

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@Jackie Bassa added:

"Let us know when he has a game, so all the internet aunts and uncles can come out. I'm local to Winter Park."

@Prince Leonard Hunter joked:

"Let him come to Kenya, we will make him the coach of Harambee Stars 🇰🇪. As a matter of fact, we can make him the owner of the t…"

@Kenechukwu Emekwue reflected:

"I never knew this little boy until this particular incident. Sometimes in life, what looks like it's going to bring you down will actually catapult you to your destination."

@Tasila Muwa said:

"He is the only man on earth who can save Manchester United."

@Nhlanhla Nkosi added:

"Barcelona can get him... remember Lionel Messi..."

@Sunny Mofunanya wrote:

"Pelé has come and gone, Maradona has come and gone, Ronaldinho Gaucho has done his best. Now the Prince of soccer is born. 'Nevada.'"

More on Nevada Pierre and his football journey

• Briefly News recently reported that Nevada Pierre’s Florida football ordeal prompted a sarcastic refugee joke from South Africa’s presidential spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, as the incident drew online debate.
• Three-year-old soccer star Nevada Pierre impressed viewers with his barefoot dribbling and step-overs, prompting some to suggest he move to England or Spain.
• Children’s educator Ms Rachel invited Nevada onto her show after the Florida football incident, calling the situation racist and traumatising.

Source: Briefly News