Celebrating his 27th birthday on the day of the opening ceremony, Gonzalez is affectionately known as the 'Blind Falcao,' a nickname he embraces as the former Colombian international striker Radamel Falcao is his idol. Falcao’s moniker, "The Tiger," fittingly described Gonzalez's performance in the stunning arena with the Eiffel Tower serving as a picturesque backdrop.

While his psychology classes may be helping to mellow his approach on the field, Gonzalez still delivered some fierce tackles, shouting "voy," or "I'm going," the traditional warning in five-a-side blind football, while also displaying some skillful touches reminiscent of his hero.

"He's a superstar for me," Gonzalez said of Falcao. "A magazine did an interview with me and they called me 'Colombia's blind Falcao.' I am pleased with the nickname as he's been my idol since he started his career professionally."

Through an interpreter, Gonzalez explained that he is studying psychology for more than just personal reasons. "My interest is to help other people, mostly other athletes, so this attracted me," he shared. "However, I have also discovered since I started studying psychology, my temper on the pitch has calmed down, so I have more control on the pitch."

Gonzalez was not born blind; his life changed on the football pitch when he was 12 years old. "When I was 12, I was at a football training session," he recalled. "I collided with another player and my cornea was finished. It just popped."

Like all outfield players, Gonzalez wears eye patches and shades, while goalkeepers are the only players who can see. Although he can only dream of the millions Falcao has earned throughout his career, he has credited para sports with transforming his life. He takes pride in representing Colombia and bringing joy to his family, especially his mother, Elvia.

"I was born in a very poor environment," said Gonzalez, whose full name is Jhon Eider Gonzalez Hernandez. "I couldn't give my mother what I wanted, so my dream is to have a house so she can live in it and I can be calm about her security."

While Brazil are the hot favourites, having won every title since blind football debuted in Athens in 2004, Colombia showed enough promise to suggest they could be contenders for medals, alongside Japan and China. Gonzalez did not score in the match; that honour went to the equally talented Juan Perez, who netted a brilliant goal in the first half after hitting the post.

The sell-out crowd maintained discipline during the match, as spectators are expected to keep silent during open play to allow players to hear the ball. After scoring, Perez was lifted in the air by his goalkeeper, Jhohan Ardila, who ran the length of the pitch to celebrate with him. Perez acknowledged that the crowd's silence can be challenging. "A little bit tricky, when we lost the ball in attack, we couldn't hear the ball," he noted. "So, if the crowd can keep more silent, it would be great, but of course they can make a big sound when we score goals!"

Despite the challenges, both Perez and Gonzalez found joy in playing in front of such a large audience. "Yes, I am happy," Perez said. "I have never played in a stadium like this. This means that blind people's football keeps growing, and spectators can witness how blind people can play like any other."