Stephen Eustáquio is a professional soccer player for the Canadian National Soccer Team who has been personally impacted by a brain tumour diagnosis in his immediate family. In August 2022, Stephen’s mother, Esmeralda, was diagnosed with brain cancer.

Esmeralda was deeply involved in his early soccer journey, often driving him to and from games. “My mother was the most special person. If people know me, they know her, because I’m a mirror.”

Before her diagnosis, Esmeralda was looking forward to seeing Stephen represent Canada at the Qatar World Cup, but due to her illness, she was unable to attend. Unfortunately, her condition continued to decline, and she eventually lost the ability to speak.

During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Stephen was pulled aside and received the heartbreaking news that his mother had passed away from brain cancer.

Just four months later, Stephen and his girlfriend welcomed their first child. “It’s like the circle of life. A lot of people see my mother in my daughter”.

Listen to Stephen’s story