Julio Enciso #19

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“Dear grandpa, I dedicate this to you in heaven with all my heart. I always remember when you pointed at me and told me that one day I would be there,” Enciso wrote emotionally, as Paraguay sealed their return to the World Cup. Enciso made the promise to become a professional player to save his family from poverty. He pledged to play for his country – he was only 17 when that was ticked off – and promised that his grandfather would see him playing in a World Cup. That second promise was not to be, as his grandfather passed away before Julio had played for his country. He made his debut at Libertad in the Paraguayan first division aged only 15 and moved to Europe at 18, signing for Brighton. He joined Strasbourg last summer, and is now established as Paraguay’s top attacker, offering flair, dribbling, assists and goals.

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