arts
Young soccer player beats cancer and sets sights on comeback
By Sebastian Cuervo at WSVN 7 News
· June 24, 2026
· 3 min read
A young soccer player is on a mission to cure cancer. 7’s Courtney Allen shares his ultimate goal. Five times a week. That’s about how often 11-year-old Diego Gonzalez was playing soccer competitively in Puerto Rico. Until—he had to take a timeout in 2024. Diego Gonzalez: “I was the best one on my t
Key takeaway 7’s Courtney Allen shares his ultimate goal.
Why this matters in The Miami
Diego's story has a special resonance in Miami , where the city's strong Latin American ties and Caribbean connections make his family's journey from Puerto Rico to seek medical care a familiar one. The fact that he found treatment at the University of Miami Health Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center highlights the importance of Miami's medical infrastructure in serving not just local residents, but also those from neighboring islands and countries. As Diego looks to make a comeback in soccer, his experience will likely inspire other young athletes in Miami's vibrant soccer community, which includes neighborhoods like Little Havana and Wynwood, where the sport is deeply ingrained in the culture. Miami's reputation as a hub for medical care and its strong sense of community will continue to support Diego and other families facing similar challenges, making his ultimate goal of returning to the soccer field a realistic and achievable one.
About this story
Original reporting by WSVN 7 News . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSVN 7 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: arts ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: WSVN 7 News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A young soccer player is on a mission to cure cancer. 7’s Courtney Allen shares his ultimate goal. Five times a week. That’s about how often 11-year-old Diego Gonzalez was playing soccer competitively in Puerto Rico. Until—he had to take a timeout in 2024. Diego Gonzalez: “I was the best one on my t
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by WSVN 7 News and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Sebastian Cuervo at WSVN 7 News. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more arts coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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