What happened to Morgan Freeman’s left hand? This was his speech at the World Cup ceremony

Human rights protests reactions Qatar World Cup 2022 live

The football itself is set to take over the headline making in Qatar but ahead of the opening game at the 2022 World Cup, a stunning, no-expense-spared opening ceremony was laid on for those in the stadium and everyone else watching around the globe. Along with the high-tech light show, music and memories of previous editions, there was a more emotional moment as Hollywood legend Morgan Freeman took centre stage.

What did Morgan Freeman say at World Cup 2022 opening ceremony?

The 85-year old’s voice had that world renowned depth, calmness and sense of security that we all adore. He narrated the early part of the show talking about the “emotions that connect us all now” and the supporting scene tried to elaborate that message of inclusiveness.

“Football spans the world, unites nations in their love of the beautiful game. What brings together nations, brings together communities,” Freeman announced. “There is a common thread of hope, jubilation and respect.”

As he spoke, some social media commentators were quick to point out the contrasting link between the actor’s surname and the Qatari regime.

Morgan Freeman’s left hand?

As the narration continued, and we listened intently to the message that feels very much aligned to any question marks over sports-washing here, we noticed that Freeman’s left hand, gloved, was getting a lot of attention. We can explain.

The actor has fibromyalgia, which he developed after a car accident and has previously tried to conceal with a compression glove. In an interview with Esquire in 2012, the star was obviously in pain and his interviewer, Tom Chiarella, explained the situation.

“It hurts when he walks, when he sits still, when he rises from his couch, and when he missteps in a damp meadow. More than hurts. It seems a kind of agony, though he never mentions it.”

Freeman himself confirmed it. “It’s the fibromyalgia. Up and down the arm. That’s where it gets so bad. Excruciating.”

Chiarella added more information.

“Despite surgery to repair nerve damage, he was stuck with a useless left hand. It is stiffly gripped by a compression glove most of the time to ensure that blood doesn’t pool there. It is a clamp, his pain, an icy shot up a relatively useless limb.”

Despite this, Freeman delivered his lines just as would have been expected by the organisers of World Cup 2022. Now to the football.