The Football Match
by Grandmother Hilda
Prologue
There are places in the world where joy knows no boundaries, where bars and walls cannot contain laughter or excitement. The city zoo was one of those magical places, especially on monkey island, where a group of mischievous primates was about to discover a game that would change their afternoons forever.
This is the story of how a simple ball and the generosity of some children transformed an ordinary day into an extraordinary adventure, proving that fun and friendship understand neither species nor barriers.
Chapter 1: A Day on Monkey Island
The sun shone radiantly over the city zoo that Saturday morning. Families strolled along the gravel paths, children excitedly pointed at the animals, and the air was full of laughter and exclamations of wonder.
In the center of the zoo, surrounded by a moat of crystal-clear water, stood monkey island. It was a small paradise for the primates: lush trees, ropes for swinging, rocks for climbing, and wooden platforms where they could rest in the shade. A dozen monkeys of different sizes and ages lived there, each with their own personality.
There was Saltarín, the youngest and most mischievous of all, always looking for something new to explore. There was Sabia, the oldest monkey, who observed everything from her favorite branch with eyes full of wisdom. There was Pelusa, a teenage monkey who loved grooming her shiny fur. And there was Bruno, the leader of the group, strong and protective, but with a tender heart.
That morning, the monkeys were going about their usual activities. Some were searching for fruit hidden by the keepers, others were swinging from branch to branch, and some were simply resting in the sun, lazily scratching themselves.
But everything changed when, around noon, a group of boisterous children arrived at the edge of the moat. They were five friends who had come to the zoo to celebrate the birthday of one of them, a boy named Mateo who had just turned nine.
“Look! The monkeys!” shouted Mateo, pointing enthusiastically at the island.
The children approached the safety railing, watching fascinated as the primates jumped and played. One of Mateo’s friends, a boy named Diego, was carrying his favorite soccer ball, a white ball with black hexagons that he had received for Christmas.
“Do you think the monkeys would like to play football?” asked Diego with a mischievous smile.
“Of course they would!” answered Sofía, a girl with pigtails who loved animals. “Monkeys are very intelligent!”
The other children laughed at the idea, but Diego was determined to try.
Chapter 2: The Magic Ball
Diego looked around to make sure no zoo guard was nearby. Then, carefully, he threw the ball over the railing. The ball flew through the air, crossed the water moat, and landed right in the center of the island, rolling until it stopped near a tree.
The monkeys, who until that moment had been busy with their own affairs, froze. They all stared at that strange round object that had fallen from the sky.
Saltarín was the first to approach. Cautiously, he circled the ball, sniffing it from all angles. He touched it with one paw, and when the ball rolled a little, he jumped backward, frightened.
The children on the shore burst into laughter.
“Come on, little one! Don’t be afraid!” shouted Mateo, encouraging him.
Little by little, Saltarín approached again. This time, he pushed the ball harder. The ball rolled several meters, and the little monkey began to chase it, excited. When he caught up with it, he pushed it again, and again he chased it.
Soon, other monkeys became interested in the game. Pelusa joined the chase, and then Bruno did. Within minutes, half the monkeys on the island were running after the ball, pushing it from side to side, screaming and screeching with pure joy.
“They’re playing!” exclaimed Sofía, clapping excitedly. “They’re really playing football!”
The children watched in wonder as the monkeys, knowing nothing about the rules of football, had created their own game. They pushed each other to reach the ball, hit it with their hands and feet, and sometimes even threw it through the air.
Bruno, the leader, seemed particularly skillful. With his long, strong arms, he could control the ball better than the others. When he pushed it, the ball rolled in a straight line, and the other monkeys had to run at full speed to catch up with it.
Saltarín, for his part, had discovered that he could bounce the ball on his head. The children were breathless when the little monkey managed to keep the ball in the air for several seconds, hitting it over and over with his furry head.
Chapter 3: The Match Begins
While the monkeys played, more and more zoo visitors began to gather around the moat. Families set aside their plans to visit other animals, fascinated by the spectacle unfolding on the island.
“I’ve never seen anything like this!” commented a mother, holding her baby so he could see better.
“It’s incredible!” added an elderly man, adjusting his glasses. “Look how they organize teams!”
And it was true. Without anyone having taught them, the monkeys had naturally divided into two groups. A team led by Bruno defended one side of the island, while Pelusa’s team defended the other side. Saltarín, being the smallest, ran between both teams, trying to steal the ball from whoever had it.
The children on the shore began to cheer for the monkeys as if they were watching a real football match.
“Come on, Bruno! Pass it to Pelusa!” shouted Diego.
“No, no! Defend, Saltarín!” squealed Sofía.
The monkeys, fueled by the energy of the crowd, played with more intensity. Bruno pushed the ball so hard that it rolled to the edge of the moat, almost falling into the water. Pelusa rescued it just in time, grabbing it with both hands and triumphantly raising it above her head while the crowd applauded.
Sabia, the elderly monkey who generally kept away from the commotion, watched everything from her favorite branch. Her wrinkled face showed what seemed like a smile, and her eyes sparkled with amusement seeing her companions so happy.
Chapter 4: The Goal of the Century
After almost an hour of tireless play, something extraordinary happened.
Bruno had the ball and was running toward one side of the island, chased by three monkeys from the opposing team. Saltarín, anticipating his movements, ran forward and positioned himself near two trees that formed a kind of natural goal.
Bruno saw the opportunity. With a quick movement, he kicked the ball with his foot, sending it directly toward the space between the trees. The ball flew through the air in a perfect arc, passed exactly between the two trunks, and stopped behind Saltarín.
The crowd exploded in applause and cheers. The children jumped excitedly, shouting:
“GOAL! GOAL! GOAL!”
The monkeys, infected by the crowd’s emotion, also began to celebrate. Bruno was jumping, beating his chest with pride. Pelusa and the other monkeys on his team hugged and screeched with joy. Even Saltarín, though he had been on the opposing team, seemed excited about the moment.
Diego turned to Mateo with a huge smile.
“This is the best birthday in the world!” he said. “We just witnessed the most incredible goal ever scored… by a monkey!”
Mateo nodded, his eyes shining with happiness. He would never forget this day, never forget how a simple ball had created so much joy.
Chapter 5: A Special Visitor
In the middle of the celebration, a man in a zoo uniform made his way through the crowd. It was Mr. Ramírez, the head keeper of monkey island. He had been in his office doing paperwork when he heard the commotion and decided to investigate.
At first, when he saw the ball on the island, he frowned. Visitors were not supposed to throw objects into animal enclosures; it was one of the most important rules of the zoo. But when he saw the joy on the monkeys’ faces, when he saw how they played together, how the crowd cheered them on, and how everyone—humans and primates alike—shared a moment of pure happiness, his expression softened.
“Who threw the ball?” he asked, though his voice didn’t sound angry.
Diego stepped forward, nervous.
“It was me, sir. I’m very sorry, I didn’t want to cause trouble. I just thought… that the monkeys would like to play.”
Mr. Ramírez looked at the boy for a moment, then looked at the monkeys, who were still enjoying their game, and finally smiled.
“You know, Diego, normally I would have to ask you not to do that again. But…” he paused, watching Saltarín bounce the ball on his head again ”…I’ve been caring for these monkeys for ten years, and I’ve never seen them so happy. Is that your ball?”
Diego nodded, a little sad thinking he would have to get it back.
“Yes, sir. It’s my Christmas birthday ball.”
The keeper knelt down to be at the child’s height.
“Tell me, Diego, how would you feel about leaving the ball with the monkeys? We could consider it… a donation to the zoo. Of course, we’d give you a new ball in exchange. And we could put up a plaque that says: ‘Donated by Diego, the boy who taught the monkeys to play football.’”
Diego’s eyes lit up.
“Really? That would be amazing!”
Mateo hugged his friend.
“How cool, Diego! Your ball will be famous!”
Chapter 6: The Match Continues
Mr. Ramírez kept his promise. The following week, he installed a bronze plaque near the monkey moat that told the story of how Diego had shared his ball and brought joy to the primates. He also gave Diego a new ball, even better than the previous one.
But most importantly, the ball stayed permanently on monkey island. Every day, when the zoo opened its doors, the monkeys ran to their ball and began their morning match. Mr. Ramírez made sure the ball was always inflated and in good condition, and even added a few more balls of different sizes so the monkeys could vary their games.
Monkey island quickly became the zoo’s most popular attraction. Families arrived early to get a good spot at the railing. Children cheered for their favorite monkeys. Photographers captured incredible images of the primates playing.
Bruno developed increasingly sophisticated moves. He learned to pass the ball to his teammates with astonishing precision. Pelusa became an expert at stealing the ball from opponents. And Saltarín, the smallest, won everyone’s hearts with his acrobatics and tireless energy.
Even Sabia, the elderly monkey, eventually joined the game. She didn’t run as much as the others, but when the ball rolled near her branch, she stopped it wisely and passed it strategically to whoever was in the best position to score.
Chapter 7: Lessons from the Game
Diego became a regular visitor to the zoo. Every weekend, he came with his family to watch “his” ball in action. He watched fascinated as the monkeys improved their game week after week, how they developed strategies, how they learned to work as a team.
One day, while watching the match, his father sat next to him on a bench near the moat.
“Do you know what the most beautiful thing about all this is, Diego?” his father asked.
“What, Dad?”
“That you shared something you loved, and that act of generosity not only brought joy to the monkeys, but to thousands of people who come to watch them play. A simple act of kindness multiplied into countless moments of happiness.”
Diego thought about those words. He looked around and saw families smiling, children laughing, elderly people remembering their own days of youth playing football. All of that had started with his decision to share his ball.
“I think I learned something, Dad,” Diego said softly. “Sometimes, what we like most is better when we share it with others.”
His father ruffled his hair affectionately.
“That’s a lesson that many adults still need to learn, son.”
Chapter 8: The Grand Championship
Months after that first match, the zoo organized a special event: “The Grand Monkey Football Championship.” They invited local schools, offered discounts on tickets, and prepared an all-day event with music, food, and, of course, the monkey football match as the main attraction.
On championship day, the zoo was packed. Hundreds of children arrived with their families, many of them wearing shirts they had made at home with the names of their favorite monkeys. “Team Bruno” and “Team Pelusa” could be read on handmade signs.
Diego and Mateo were in the front row, along with Sofía and the other friends who had been present that first magical day. Mr. Ramírez had given them special VIP passes, allowing them to be closer than ever to the moat.
When the clock struck three in the afternoon, Mr. Ramírez took a microphone and addressed the crowd.
“Welcome to the first Annual Monkey Football Championship!” he announced, and the crowd burst into applause. “This event is possible thanks to a generous boy named Diego, who taught us that kindness and joy know no boundaries. Diego, come here!”
With flushed cheeks, Diego approached the microphone.
“I… I just wanted the monkeys to have fun,” he said shyly. “I didn’t know this would become something so big.”
“And that is precisely the magic,” Mr. Ramírez replied. “Small acts of kindness can grow and touch many lives. Now, let the match begin!”
Mr. Ramírez threw not one, but three balls onto the island. The monkeys, seeing multiple balls, went wild with joy. Bruno grabbed one, Pelusa another, and Saltarín chased the third. The game that followed was chaotic, fun, and absolutely unforgettable.
The monkeys ran in all directions, the balls flew through the air, and the crowd roared with enthusiasm. It was a spectacle of pure joy, a reminder that play, fun, and laughter are universal.
Chapter 9: The Legacy of a Ball
As time passed, the story of Diego and the football became legend in the city. Local newspapers wrote articles about it. Television channels came to film the monkeys playing. The story was shared on social media, reaching people around the world.
But for Diego, the most important thing wasn’t the fame. It was knowing he had done something that mattered. Every time he saw a child smiling while watching the monkeys play, every time he heard a family laughing together, he knew his small act of generosity had been worth it.
The zoo eventually created an educational program based on the experience. Children who visited learned about the importance of empathy, of sharing, and how animals, like humans, need to play and have fun to be happy.
Diego grew up, but never forgot that lesson. Years later, when he went to university, he studied biology hoping to become a veterinarian. He dreamed of dedicating his life to caring for animals, making sure they all had the opportunity to experience joy, just as the monkeys had experienced with his ball.
Chapter 10: Full Circle
Twenty years after that memorable day, Diego returned to the zoo, now as the new head veterinarian. It was his first day of work, and he walked through the familiar paths with a mixture of nostalgia and excitement.
When he reached monkey island, he stopped and smiled. The original monkeys were no longer there—Saltarín, Bruno, Pelusa, and Sabia had lived long and happy lives—but their descendants continued the tradition. A new generation of monkeys played with soccer balls, jumping, running, and having fun exactly as their ancestors had done.
The bronze plaque was still there, now a bit worn by time but still legible: “Donated by Diego, the boy who taught the monkeys to play football.”
A group of children was watching the game, their faces lit up with wonder. Diego approached them.
“Do you like watching them play?” he asked.
“Yes!” answered a little girl. “They’re amazing! Did you know it all started with a boy who shared his ball?”
Diego smiled, feeling his heart fill with warmth.
“Yes, I know. In fact, I was that boy.”
The children looked at him with wide eyes, full of admiration and curiosity. Diego spent the next hour telling them the story, watching as their faces reflected the same wonder he had felt so many years ago.
When he finally left to continue with his responsibilities, he turned one last time toward the island. The monkeys were still playing, the balls were still rolling, and joy was still filling the air.
And Diego knew, with absolute certainty, that the decision made by a nine-year-old boy—the simple decision to share something he loved—had changed lives forever, including his own.
Lesson
The story of “The Football Match” teaches us several important truths:
Generosity multiplies joy. When Diego shared his ball, he brought happiness not only to the monkeys, but to thousands of people who came to watch them play. An act of kindness can extend much further than we imagine.
What we share is never truly lost. Diego “lost” his Christmas ball, but gained something much more valuable: the knowledge that he had made a positive difference in the world, and the satisfaction of seeing the joy his gift had created.
Play and fun are universal needs. The monkeys remind us that all living beings, humans and animals alike, need moments of joy, of laughter, of play. These are not frivolities, but fundamental needs for a full life.
Small actions can have big consequences. Diego didn’t plan to create an annual event, nor change the zoo’s policies, nor inspire thousands of people. He simply wanted to make the monkeys happy. But that small act of kindness grew into something wonderful.
True wealth lies in giving, not in having. Diego could have jealously guarded his ball, but by sharing it, he gained experiences and memories that no material object could equal. He learned that what really matters is not what we possess, but what we give and the connections we create.
Empathy crosses all barriers. Diego wondered how he could make the monkeys happy, putting himself in their place and thinking about what he would enjoy if he were one of them. This ability to empathize with other living beings is one of the noblest qualities of the human heart.
May this story inspire us all to look for opportunities to share, to give joy, and to remember that even the simplest gesture can change the world in ways we could never predict. Like the monkeys with their ball, we all deserve moments of pure, simple, and beautiful happiness.