Book Silvio Velo for Talks, Lectures, and Experience Creators
Silvio Velo
A blind soccer player and a global icon in adaptive sports. His story of overcoming adversity inspires resilience, discipline, and passion, proving that barriers can be broken down with a positive attitude, hard work, and self-belief.
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Who is Silvio Velo?
Silvio Velo is a former Argentine soccer player and coach, widely recognized as one of the leading figures in Paralympic sports and the longtime captain of Argentina’s national blind soccer team, nicknamed “Los Murciélagos.” Born in San Pedro, Buenos Aires province, on May 29, 1971, his life is a powerful story of overcoming adversity and resilience. Although blind from birth, his unwavering determination led him to turn his dream of becoming a soccer player into a professional reality, earning him the nickname “the Maradona or Messi of the blind” for his unmatched talent on the field.
From his childhood in the humble neighborhood of Las Canaletas, Velo was drawn to soccer, playing with sighted boys using a regular ball. The turning point in his life came when he discovered, at a school for the blind, the sound ball—a ball with a bell inside—the tool that would allow him to channel his passion. At age 20, he was called up to the national blind soccer team, where he quickly established himself as an undisputed leader and served as captain for three decades. His position as an attacking midfielder was characterized by his speed, masterful ball control, and ability to turn games around with spectacular goals.
Silvio Velo’s record with “Los Murciélagos” is a testament to his success. He led the team to victory in two World Blind Football Championships (Rio de Janeiro 2002 and Buenos Aires 2006). At the continental level, he was a multiple champion of the IBSA Copa América. In addition, his presence was vital at the Paralympic Games, where he served as flag bearer and won the silver medal in Athens 2004, and bronze medals in Beijing 2008 and Rio 2016. This track record of success earned him individual recognition, as he was repeatedly named the World’s Best Player.
After retiring from the Argentine national team in 2019, Velo has ventured into literature, publishing his memoir, and into documentary filmmaking, continuing to speak out in support of inclusion and the visibility of Paralympic sports. He has even taken up other sports, such as Blind Tennis. Currently, he dedicates his time to giving motivational talks and coaching young people, spreading his message that barriers can be broken with determination.
