Maximiliano Araujo becomes the first Indian origin player to score a goal in the World Cup
According to reports, his grandfather is believed to have been from Goa
XtraTime Webdesk: Maxmiliano Araujo, who scored a goal for Uruguay yesterday against Saudi Arabia in the World Cup, is reportedly connected to Goa through his family ancestry, sparking excitement among football enthusiasts in the state. He would be the first player of Indian origin to score a goal in the World Cup. How do we know it?
According to accounts of his family's history, Araujo's grandfather, Redualdo Araujo, is believed to have hailed from Loutolim, Goa, before migrating to Angola. The family is said to have later moved through Brazil before eventually settling in Uruguay, where Maximiliano Araujo was born and went on to establish himself as a professional footballer.
According to the local media, Maxi's grandfather Redualdo Araujo hailed from the beautiful South Goan village that was also the birthplace of renowned artist Mario Miranda.
Like scores of Goans who moved to Africa back in the day, Redualdo shifted to Angola for better prospects. He then relocated to Brazil and eventually settled in Rivera, Uruguay, where Maxi was born.
Maxi, who plays for the Portuguese club Sporting CP, made his international debut in 2023. The 26 year old has quickly become an impactful player for Uruguay. Since his debut, he has played 14 games, scoring 4 goals, including 2 in 6 matches at the 2024 Copa America.
On Monday, Maxi prevented another upset in Group H after Spain's earlier goalless draw with Cape Verde. The draw leaves Group H finely poised after the first round of games following Spain’s draw with Cape Verde earlier on Monday, with all four teams on one point each.
