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Julio Enciso in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 on June 29, 2026
Credit: Ezra Shaw - FIFA/FIFA via Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- Julio Enciso tearfully dedicated Paraguay's World Cup win to his late grandfather after their upset over Germany on Monday, June 29
- Enciso, who scored Paraguay's goal on Monday, recalled watching Paraguay's soccer games with his grandfather when he was a child
- "I send a kiss to my grandpa in heaven," Enciso said to reporters
Paraguay soccer star Julio Enciso tearfully dedicated his World Cup win to his late grandfather.
After Paraguay's thrilling victory over Germany in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 on Monday, June 29, Enciso, who scored Paraguay's lone goal, gave an emotional interview while talking about his late grandfather.
"I remember sitting next to my grandpa. I dedicate this to him. I'm sure he would be proud of me," Enciso told reporters, as seen in a video on Fox Sports.
Enciso recalled watching the Paraguay national team alongside his grandfather and said he could "only think of memories of" his grandpa when Paraguay defeated Germany to advance to the Round of 16 on a historic 4-3 penalty shootout. "It was a gift from God and him," Enciso said of Paraguay's win.
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Julio Enciso in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 on June 29, 2026
Credit: Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty
"This is the best day of my life," Enciso said. "I can only send a hug to everyone in our country. Surely it is also the best day for each one of them."
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Enciso also thanked his teammates while speaking to reporters after the win. "Honestly, it's incredible. I had to sub off the game, but they kept going and that reflected how strong of a group we are," he said.
Enciso concluded his postgame comments saying, "I send a kiss to my grandpa in heaven."
"What a player, what a match, World Cup moments like this ," one fan commented on a clip of Enciso's tearful comments.
Enciso also shared an emotional moment with his wife, Melissa Cardona, after Paraguay's win. The athlete ran over to Cardona in the stands and the couple shared a celebratory kiss. Cardona, an influencer, reposted the clip on her Instagram Story and shared additional photos from her experience at the game.
Enciso and Cardona tied the knot on May 29, 2025 at the athlete's family's home in Caaguazú, Paraguay.
Paraguay will play the winner of France vs. Sweden on July 4 in Philadelphia.
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