Young fans’ dream came true when World Cup player Alexis Mac Allister stopped to talk to them earlier this week.

After training, nine-year-old William Funnell and his cousins, six-year-old Albert and ten-year-old Toby Witherden, had the opportunity to meet Mac Allister. The boys had received autograph books for Christmas from their great-grandma, and Mac Allister graciously pulled over to sign a World Cup ball and their autograph books.

Simon, William’s dad, shared, “The boys got autograph books from their great grandma for Christmas, so we thought we would go and get some signatures. We couldn’t believe our luck when we found out Mac Allister was back.”

The group congratulated Mac Allister on his World Cup victory, and when asked if he had his medal, he responded, “Yes, I do—would you like to see it?” Mac Allister then searched through his backpack in the rear seat of his car, revealing and allowing the boys to hold the gold medal. The boys were described as “absolutely shocked and star-struck.”