People just assume I’m Tunisian – the Irishman at Club World Cup

As the Club World Cup kicks off in Qatar, one Irishman finds himself surrounded by assumptions about his nationality.

Sean O’Malley, a die-hard football fan from Dublin, is often mistaken for being Tunisian because of his olive skin and dark features.

“It’s actually quite funny,” O’Malley says. “People here just automatically assume I’m Tunisian because of how I look.”

Despite the mix-up, O’Malley is enjoying his time at the Club World Cup and is excited to see his favorite teams compete.

“It’s a surreal experience being here, surrounded by fans from all over the world,” O’Malley adds.

He plans to soak up the atmosphere and cheer on his favorite team, Liverpool, as they aim for victory.

O’Malley hopes that his presence at the Club World Cup will help break stereotypes and show that football fans come from all walks of life.

“I may not be Tunisian, but I’m just as passionate about football as anyone else here,” O’Malley says.

With his Irish flag proudly waving in the stands, O’Malley stands out as a true football supporter, regardless of his appearance.

And as the games continue, O’Malley knows that he will always be a part of the diverse and international community that comes together to celebrate the beautiful game.