27 Nov, 2023 @ 18:00
2 mins read

Dreams do come true: Autistic footballer inspired by fellow British expat Jude Bellingham gets shirt signed by Real Madrid team

AN autistic British boy whose life has been turned around by football had his dreams come true when his hero Jude Bellingham and the Real Madrid team gifted him a signed shirt.

Bennadarajah Marr, 17, known to everyone as Benjy, was given the shirt ahead of the match between the Madrid club and Cadiz CF this weekend.

It managed to turn around what otherwise was a disappointing 3-0 defeat for his beloved Cadiz CF, the club Benjy plays for in the Inclusive League (La Liga Genuine).

He had also brought a giant poster asking Jude Bellingham to give him his shirt as he trudged off the pitch after scoring Madrid’ third goal.

Benjy real madrid signed shirt
Benjy poses with his signed Real Madrid shirt after the match between Cadiz CF and Real Madrid on Sunday, November 26

Bellingham, who Benjy’s mother says has inspired him as another British boy making it in Spain, saw the sign and gave a smile and a wave. But, alas for Benjy, he did not get hold of the treasured shirt. 

“But he was so happy to get the signed shirt and it means so much to someone like Benjy,” mother Renuka told the Olive Press.

“Because of his autism and ADD, he really struggles to make friends and he doesn’t understand why people don’t want to be his friend.

“So when he gets this recognition from the Real Madrid players – global megastars – it gives him a sense of acceptance and belonging which is so important for him.”

Benjy was born in Slough, England, and was diagnosed early in life with autism, dyspraxia, attention deficit disorder and delayed development.

Fran Garcia real madrid
Young Real Madrid left-back Fran Garcia posed with Benjy after the game

After a tough childhood, Renuka, who has raised him as a single parent, relocated them to Cadiz when he was 12 in search of a fresh start.

But troubles followed him and his mum really feared for Benjy’s future, as he struggled to interact with others and his frustration sometimes boiled over.

“He’s had literally zero friends for the last five years,” Renuka said. 

“There might have been one or two people who were nice to him in school and kind to him but nobody wanted to invite him to the movies or play football.”

Benjy’s dream was to meet Messi, who was ‘like a father figure for him’, and it led him, by chance, to Cadiz CF and the Inclusive League. 

Benjy and Renuka
Benjy and his mother Renuka in the stands at a Cadiz CF match

Suddenly he had found a group of friends, all of whom had different disabilities and special needs, without having to struggle so much with social cues and interactions.

Benjy patrols the midfield for his team, training with his teammates under the watchful eyes of his coaches. Then he plays on the weekends – if he can get in the team.

Since he joined the team, Benjy’s behaviour and performance in school have improved immeasurably.

“It really has saved both our lives,” Renuka said.

Find out more about the Inclusive League (La Liga Genuine) HERE.

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Walter Finch

Walter Finch, who comes from a background in video and photography, is keen on reporting on and investigating organised crime, corruption and abuse of power. He is fascinated by the nexus between politics, business and law-breaking, as well as other wider trends that affect society.
Born in London but having lived in six countries, he is well-travelled and worldly. He studied Philosophy at the University of Birmingham and earned his diploma in journalism from London's renowned News Associates during the Covid era.
He got his first break in the business working on the Foreign News desk of the Daily Mail's online arm, where he also helped out on the video desk.
He then decided to escape the confines of London and returned to Spain in 2022, having previously lived in Barcelona for many years.
He took up up a reporter role with the Olive Press Newspaper and today he is based in La Linea de la Concepcion at the heart of a global chokepoint and crucial maritime hub, where he edits the Olive Press Gibraltar edition.
He is also the deputy news editor across all editions of the newspaper.

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