Abubakarr was born with six toes on each foot, a condition known as polydactyly, which made it difficult for him to run without tripping. (Mercy Ships via SWNS)
By Amy Reast
A football-mad six-year-old boy born with 12 toes can finally play with his friends after life-changing polydactyly surgery — just in time for the 2026 World Cup.
Abubakarr was born with six toes on each foot, a condition known as polydactyly, which made it difficult for him to run without tripping.
The youngster, from a northern town in Sierra Leone, struggled to join in games because his feet knocked together when he tried to run.
He was also mocked by others in his community, with one person calling him "fowl foot", according to his aunt Muminatu.
The family could not afford surgery until a neighbor told them about a hospital ship run by charity Mercy Ships that would soon dock nearby.
Abubakarr underwent free surgery with volunteer surgeon Tjeerd de Jong from the Netherlands in November 2024.
After rehabilitation, the Real Madrid fan can now play football without falling over for the first time.
(Mercy Ships via SWNS)
Muminatu said: "Someone called Abubakarr 'fowl-foot' and I got so angry, I confronted them.
"That's when Binta, a neighbor, approached me and said, 'Mercy Ships is coming back – take Abubakarr there.'"
Abubakarr said after the surgery: "I can go to school now and nobody will laugh at me."
In Sierra Leone, access to specialist care is limited, with just two reconstructive plastic surgeons serving a population of over eight million people.
(Mercy Ships via SWNS)
Abubakarr's grandmother Adama, who raised him after his mother passed away, said before the surgery: "When he tries to run, his feet knock against each other and he falls.
"Even during school sports, he would be eager to join - but the moment he starts running, he trips and falls."
De Jong performed the 90-minute operation on board the Global Mercy hospital ship.
After the procedure, Abubakarr completed two weeks of rehabilitation to help improve his strength, balance and mobility.
(Mercy Ships via SWNS)
Louise Matthews, a volunteer physical therapist, said: "Abubakarr did really well after surgery.
"We got to watch him take his first steps in what we call 'Darko shoes' - special boots we use for kids recovering from polydactyly surgeries.
"His recovery just kept getting better."
(Mercy Ships via SWNS)
On discharge, Abubakarr was given a new pair of shoes - something he had not been able to wear before.
This year, he will be able to play football with his friends as they enjoy the World Cup.
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