‘From That Blow, a Hemorrhage…’: Andrea Bocelli Reflects on Soccer Accident That Led to Blindness

As a lifestyle expert with a keen interest in the stories of exceptional individuals, I must say that Andrea Bocelli‘s journey is nothing short of inspiring. His resilience and determination in the face of adversity are truly commendable. From battling congenital glaucoma since early childhood to overcoming blindness due to a soccer accident, Bocelli has shown us that one can rise above any obstacle with unwavering faith and perseverance.


According to PEOPLE, the globally acclaimed Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli, shares insights on the fateful soccer incident that led to his loss of sight.

In his newest documentary, titled “Andrea Bocelli: Because I Believe,” which debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, Andrea Bocelli revealed that a soccer game incident when he was 12 caused him to lose his sight. Prior to this accident, Bocelli had been born with impaired vision due to congenital glaucoma.

From a young age, Andrea Bocelli has dealt with visual impairment due to congenital glaucoma. By the time he was 3½ years old, he had already been diagnosed and underwent multiple surgeries in Turin to enhance his sight. However, despite numerous operations, his vision remained significantly restricted. This information was shared by Andrea’s brother Alberto in a documentary.

As a kid, he was often referred to as very nearsighted. In the movie, Andrea clarified that he had perfect vision for nearby objects, but everything far away was blurry to him. He vividly remembers the world he saw at that time, with its colors and intricate details. “Those memories are too vivid to forget,” he said.

At age seven, Andrea was placed in a boarding school designed for visually impaired students due to local schools refusing to admit him. His older brother Alberto mentioned that he would visit home only during holidays and they would meet up once a month. The separation from home was tough for Andrea, labeling it as the most challenging period of his life.

Andrea’s defining moment happened when he was 12 years old, while he was a student at boarding school. During a soccer match, he was unexpectedly asked to play as the goalkeeper. This was a role he had never filled before, but he took up the task. “One time, during [a soccer game], I became the goalkeeper. I didn’t know why, since I hadn’t been in that position before,” Andrea shared in the documentary.

During the game, a ball struck Andrea on his face, causing a severe nosebleed. He later stated, “The ball hit me squarely in the face. The impact led to a nasty nosebleed, and that was it,” referring to the moment he was injured. Unfortunately, this injury left him permanently blind. His brother Alberto commented, “That’s when he lost. That’s when the darkness descended.

The documentary primarily spotlights Andrea Bocelli’s family, delving into his experiences living with blindness. In a previous segment within this movie, his mother recounted that she discouraged feelings of pity from her family following the accident, instead instilling resilience and determination in Andrea.

In essence, his mother shared that Andrea consistently rejected any form of pity, viewing it as unnecessary. He often expressed this sentiment by questioning its purpose. They, in turn, raised him on such values and instilled within him great amounts of bravery.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, allow me to express my thoughts on “Andrea Bocelli: Because I Believe,” a captivating documentary directed by Cosima Spender that offers an intimate look into the life and career of this legendary tenor. This compelling film not only sheds light on his personal battles but also traces his extraordinary journey towards global fame, reaching new heights in the realm of music.

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2024-09-09 16:09