Juan Pablo Peláez Gómez

Languaje: Spanish

Juan Pablo Peláez Gómez is a 15-year-old Colombian who has lived in Florida, United States, for the past six years. Through soccer, he has found a powerful way to connect with the world, express his talents, and build a meaningful purpose in life.
From a very young age, Juan Pablo developed an extraordinary passion for soccer. What was simply a sport for many became his language—a way to learn, communicate, and understand the world around him. Through soccer, he learned to read, write, strengthen his memory, develop conversation skills, and discover his unique abilities.
Juan Pablo is autistic and also has a rare genetic condition associated with a chromosome 17p13.3 duplication. This condition has presented a variety of developmental challenges, including motor difficulties, hypotonia (low muscle tone), and other physical obstacles that have required continuous support. For many years, he dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player, but over time he realized that some of his physical limitations could make that path more difficult.
Rather than giving up on his dream, Juan Pablo found another way to live it.
He discovered that the qualities that often made him stand out—his intensity, his unique way of expressing himself, his remarkable ability to memorize information, and his endless passion for soccer—could become extraordinary strengths. He found a new opportunity through his voice.
Today, Juan Pablo dreams of becoming a professional sports journalist and soccer commentator. He is the creator of Fútbol Copa Mundo, a platform where he shares match commentary, analysis, statistics, and fascinating stories about the world of soccer. Throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he has provided daily coverage, live match commentary, and exclusive content from stadiums and official events, demonstrating that passion can create opportunities beyond expectations.
Juan Pablo is also a member of the communications team at Indian Ridge Middle School, where he presents the school’s morning news broadcasts. In addition, he remains actively involved in sports as the goalkeeper and team captain of Autism Soccer, an organization that has played an important role in his personal growth.
He is recognized for his perseverance, enthusiasm, resilience, leadership, and the genuine warmth with which he connects with others.
His message is simple yet powerful:
Behind every diagnosis are talents, dreams, and limitless possibilities.
Although soccer did not become the path to a professional playing career, it became the bridge that allowed him to discover his voice.
Today, Juan Pablo works every day toward his greatest dream—to commentate the world’s most important soccer matches and demonstrate that neurodiversity belongs not only on the field, but also behind the microphone

Ten Milestones of Juan Pablo Peláez Gómez

1. Discovered soccer at a very young age, making it his greatest passion.
2. Used soccer as a tool to develop reading, writing, memory, and communication skills.
3. Was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and later identified with a rare genetic condition associated with chromosome 17p13.3 duplication.
4. Never gave up on his dream of being part of the soccer world despite significant physical and motor challenges.
5. Discovered sports broadcasting as a new way to live the sport he loves.
6. Became goalkeeper and captain of his Autism Soccer team, strengthening his leadership, teamwork, and confidence.
7. Was selected to join the communications team and present school news at Indian Ridge Middle School.
8. Created Fútbol Copa Mundo, where he shares soccer commentary, analysis, statistics, and stories from around the world.
9. Provided coverage and live commentary throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including reporting from stadiums and official tournament events.
10. Was invited to participate in ASPIKA Talks, where he will share his inspiring journey and demonstrate that talents can create opportunities where others only see limitations.