Brazilian Student Wins Global Contest and Will Have His Artwork Featured on Brazil’s World Cup Team Bus
Twelve‑year‑old Leo Silveira combined his love for soccer and drawing — and now his design will travel the world
SPORTS
Image: Winning drawing of the FIFA Art Contest by Leo Silvera
A 12‑year‑old Brazilian student living in Massachusetts is about to see his artwork reach a stage far bigger than he ever imagined. Leo Silveira won an international contest organized by FIFA and Hyundai, and his drawing will be featured on the official bus carrying Brazil’s national team during World Cup match days.
Leo says he is counting the days until he sees his design rolling through stadiums around the world. The competition brought together thousands of children from across the globe, and his illustration stood out for blending two of his biggest passions: soccer and art.
His art teacher, Aleisea Guzmán, encouraged him to participate after noticing how combining sports and creativity motivated her students. “It was the perfect way to get them excited,” she said.
Inspired by his favorite team, Vasco da Gama, Leo drew fans united around a banner with a simple but powerful message: “Vamos Brasil.” For him, those words represent belonging, hope, and pride. His dream now is that his idol, Neymar Jr., might see the artwork as the team arrives for a match.
Winning the contest also came with a special reward: Leo received two tickets to watch Brazil face Morocco at the MetLife Stadium in June.
For a young artist with a box of colored pencils and a big imagination, the World Cup just got a lot closer.