Letters That Unite: Gervane Kastaneer's Emotional World Cup Journey

As the FIFA World Cup 2026™ approaches, FIFA's series 'Letters that Unite' highlights personal stories of players and their loved ones. In the lead-up to Curaçao's first World Cup match, forward Gervane Kastaneer received an emotional birthday letter from his father, which he read and reacted to on camera.

A Father's Letter

Kastaneer, who turned 30 just days before the tournament, was visibly moved by his father's words. "Dad, you know I am not someone who talks a lot, but you are my everything," Kastaneer said, addressing his father directly after reading the letter. "We've made it. Not just me, but you as well. And that's it. Thank you very much, Dad."

Overcoming Adversity

The letter detailed a difficult period in Kastaneer's career. In 2017, he was on the verge of a transfer from ADO Den Haag to Mainz when a ball struck his eye during a match against PEC Zwolle. The injury caused long-term vision problems and sidelined him for an extended period.

"People only saw an eye injury, but we knew the reality behind it," wrote Kastaneer's father. "The pain, the uncertainty, the fear, the tears, the endless drives to Germany. Week after week, just to be with you. Because we felt that you needed us. Because family stays close precisely when life suddenly turns dark."

Kastaneer credited his family and faith in God for helping him through those troubling times. "Together we cried, together we laughed. But giving up was never an option," his father wrote. "Now you are going to the 2026 World Cup with our island, Curaçao. Who would have ever thought that?"

A Dream Realized

Now fully recovered, Kastaneer is set to debut at the World Cup in North America, playing for his nation and continuing to make his father proud. The full video of his reaction to the letter is available above.