In soccer, as in other sports, demonstrating promise at a young age is no guarantee of future success. But in the case of 11-year-old Morrocan phenom Rayane Bounida, the future looks bright even when weighed against the lofty expectations of soccer fans across the globe.
Signed by the Belgian squad Anderlecht at just 7 years old, the tween soccer star already boasts a lofty social media presence, much of which consists of U12 highlights that make Bounida look like a man among children on the pitch.
While it’s a common practice for clubs with junior squads to enlist players under the age of 18, bringing aboard someone as young as seven years old is unheard of, making Bounida a decidedly unique prospect.
Per the interview below, Bounida is now attending school and training in Spain, no doubt to groom him for the competition he’s likely to face upon reaching adulthood.
There’s little doubt that significant pressures and disruptions in normal childhood result from the type of attention that he has been given, but with it also comes a great number of opportunities that his peers are not afforded.
Only time will dictate whether the spotlight serves as a blessing as a curse for this gifted athlete, but Bounida sure seems to be enjoying the ride so far.
Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
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Giphy from The Blacklist.
We could start a rumor.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.