Bénédicte Desrus

Documentary Photographer + Photojournalist

www.benedictedesrus.com

Keep Moving

Location: Mérida, Mexico

Nationality: French

Biography: Bénédicte Desrus is a French documentary photographer based in Mexico and working worldwide. After 20 years of living abroad, she will return to her home country in June 2021, where she will be based in Marseille. She is... read on

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Baruch uses his crutches to perform an overhead volley during training in Mexico City, Mexico on June 26, 2014. Baruch Alejandro Anleu Ramirez, 18, is the captain of Guerreros Aztecas. Two years ago, Baruch had his left leg amputated due to bone cancer. He used to practice as much as his chemotherapy would allow. Expelled from school for missing too many classes during his treatment, he says, “Guerreros Aztecas has filled a big hole in my life”. Baruch was Guerreros Aztecas’s brightest hope to represent Mexico at the Amputee Soccer World Cup. But since the cancer’s spread to his lungs, he can no longer play or train with the team. Guerreros Aztecas (“Aztec Warriors”) is Mexico City’s first amputee football team. Founded in July 2013 by five volunteers, they now have 23 players, seven of them have made the national team's shortlist to represent Mexico at this year's Amputee Soccer World Cup in Sinaloa this December. The team trains twice a week for weekend games with other teams. No prostheses are used, so field players missing a lower extremity can only play using crutches. Those missing an upper extremity play as goalkeepers. The teams play six per side with unlimited substitutions. Each half lasts 25 minutes. The causes of the amputations range from accidents to medical interventions – none of which have stopped the Guerreros Aztecas from continuing to play. The players’ age, backgrounds and professions cover the full sweep of Mexican society, and they are united by the will to keep their heads held high in a country where discrimination against the disabled remains widespread. (Photo by Bénédicte Desrus)

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Players from Guerreros Aztecas, run laps of the playing field ahead of training in Mexico City, Mexico on July 31, 2014. Guerreros Aztecas (“Aztec Warriors”) is Mexico City’s first amputee football team. Founded in July 2013 by five volunteers, they now have 23 players, seven of them have made the national team's shortlist to represent Mexico at this year's Amputee Soccer World Cup in Sinaloa this December. The team trains twice a week for weekend games with other teams. No prostheses are used, so field players missing a lower extremity can only play using crutches. Those missing an upper extremity play as goalkeepers. The teams play six per side with unlimited substitutions. Each half lasts 25 minutes. The causes of the amputations range from accidents to medical interventions – none of which have stopped the Guerreros Aztecas from continuing to play. The players’ age, backgrounds and professions cover the full sweep of Mexican society, and they are united by the will to keep their heads held high in a country where discrimination against the disabled remains widespread. (Photo by Bénédicte Desrus)

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(L-R) Jose Luis Almaraz Mendoza and Osman Cristobal González Ruiz, both players from Guerreros Aztecas, do sit-ups as part of their training in Mexico City, Mexico on June 12, 2014. Jose Luis, 32, was washing the windows of his home when he fell 3 metres and lost his right leg. Osman, 31, lost his left leg in an electrical accident at work when he was 23. Guerreros Aztecas (“Aztec Warriors”) is Mexico City’s first amputee football team. Founded in July 2013 by five volunteers, they now have 23 players, seven of them have made the national team's shortlist to represent Mexico at this year's Amputee Soccer World Cup in Sinaloa this December. The team trains twice a week for weekend games with other teams. No prostheses are used, so field players missing a lower extremity can only play using crutches. Those missing an upper extremity play as goalkeepers. The teams play six per side with unlimited substitutions. Each half lasts 25 minutes. The causes of the amputations range from accidents to medical interventions – none of which have stopped the Guerreros Aztecas from continuing to play. The players’ age, backgrounds and professions cover the full sweep of Mexican society, and they are united by the will to keep their heads held high in a country where discrimination against the disabled remains widespread. (Photo by Bénédicte Desrus)

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A Guerreros Aztecas' defender makes a clearance during a game against León in Mexico City, Mexico on September 13, 2014. Guerreros Aztecas (“Aztec Warriors”) is Mexico City’s first amputee football team. Founded in July 2013 by five volunteers, they now have 23 players, seven of them have made the national team's shortlist to represent Mexico at this year's Amputee Soccer World Cup in Sinaloa this December. The team trains twice a week for weekend games with other teams. No prostheses are used, so field players missing a lower extremity can only play using crutches. Those missing an upper extremity play as goalkeepers. The teams play six per side with unlimited substitutions. Each half lasts 25 minutes. The causes of the amputations range from accidents to medical interventions – none of which have stopped the Guerreros Aztecas from continuing to play. The players’ age, backgrounds and professions cover the full sweep of Mexican society, and they are united by the will to keep their heads held high in a country where discrimination against the disabled remains widespread. (Photo by Bénédicte Desrus)

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Baruch in his bedroom at his home in the Iztapalapa area of Mexico City, Mexico on July 8, 2014. Baruch Alejandro Anleu Ramirez, 18, is the captain of Guerreros Aztecas. Two years ago, Baruch had his left leg amputated due to bone cancer. He used to practice as much as his chemotherapy would allow. Expelled from school for missing too many classes during his treatment, he says, “Guerreros Aztecas has filled a big hole in my life”. Baruch was Guerreros Aztecas’s brightest hope to represent Mexico at the Amputee Soccer World Cup. But since the cancer’s spread to his lungs, he can no longer play or train with the team. Guerreros Aztecas (“Aztec Warriors”) is Mexico City’s first amputee football team. Founded in July 2013 by five volunteers, they now have 23 players, seven of them have made the national team's shortlist to represent Mexico at this year's Amputee Soccer World Cup in Sinaloa this December. The team trains twice a week for weekend games with other teams. No prostheses are used, so field players missing a lower extremity can only play using crutches. Those missing an upper extremity play as goalkeepers. The teams play six per side with unlimited substitutions. Each half lasts 25 minutes. The causes of the amputations range from accidents to medical interventions – none of which have stopped the Guerreros Aztecas from continuing to play. The players’ age, backgrounds and professions cover the full sweep of Mexican society, and they are united by the will to keep their heads held high in a country where discrimination against the disabled remains widespread. (Photo by Bénédicte Desrus)

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Baruch in his bedroom at his home in the Iztapalapa area of Mexico City, Mexico on July 8, 2014. After the cancer spread, Baruch got a secret tattoo on his chest: "I love you and everything's gonna be alright. Alejandro”. It is a message to his mother and grandmother for after he’s gone. Baruch Alejandro Anleu Ramirez, 18, is the captain of Guerreros Aztecas. Two years ago, Baruch had his left leg amputated due to bone cancer. He used to practice as much as his chemotherapy would allow. Expelled from school for missing too many classes during his treatment, he says, “Guerreros Aztecas has filled a big hole in my life”. Baruch was Guerreros Aztecas’s brightest hope to represent Mexico at the Amputee Soccer World Cup. But since the cancer’s spread to his lungs, he can no longer play or train with the team. Guerreros Aztecas (“Aztec Warriors”) is Mexico City’s first amputee football team. Founded in July 2013 by five volunteers, they now have 23 players, seven of them have made the national team's shortlist to represent Mexico at this year's Amputee Soccer World Cup in Sinaloa this December. The team trains twice a week for weekend games with other teams. No prostheses are used, so field players missing a lower extremity can only play using crutches. Those missing an upper extremity play as goalkeepers. The teams play six per side with unlimited substitutions. Each half lasts 25 minutes. The causes of the amputations range from accidents to medical interventions – none of which have stopped the Guerreros Aztecas from continuing to play. The players’ age, backgrounds and professions cover the full sweep of Mexican society, and they are united by the will to keep their heads held high in a country where discrimination against the disabled remains widespread. (Photo by Bénédicte Desrus)

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Salvador Avendaño Vasquez, a player from Guerreros Aztecas, controls the ball during a soccer game with Los Dragones (“the Dragons”) in Mexico City, Mexico on July 5, 2014. Salvador Avendaño Vasquez, 25, lost his left leg in a car accident in may 2010. He joined the team in 2012. Until his accident, he sold fruit and vegetables. He now runs a street stall. Guerreros Aztecas (“Aztec Warriors”) is Mexico City’s first amputee football team. Founded in July 2013 by five volunteers, they now have 23 players, seven of them have made the national team's shortlist to represent Mexico at this year's Amputee Soccer World Cup in Sinaloa this December. The team trains twice a week for weekend games with other teams. No prostheses are used, so field players missing a lower extremity can only play using crutches. Those missing an upper extremity play as goalkeepers. The teams play six per side with unlimited substitutions. Each half lasts 25 minutes. The causes of the amputations range from accidents to medical interventions – none of which have stopped the Guerreros Aztecas from continuing to play. The players’ age, backgrounds and professions cover the full sweep of Mexican society, and they are united by the will to keep their heads held high in a country where discrimination against the disabled remains widespread. (Photo by Bénédicte Desrus)

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Players from Guerreros Aztecas discuss tactics before a soccer game against Los Dragones (“the Dragons”) in Mexico City, Mexico on July 5, 2014. Guerreros Aztecas (“Aztec Warriors”) is Mexico City’s first amputee football team. Founded in July 2013 by five volunteers, they now have 23 players, seven of them have made the national team's shortlist to represent Mexico at this year's Amputee Soccer World Cup in Sinaloa this December. The team trains twice a week for weekend games with other teams. No prostheses are used, so field players missing a lower extremity can only play using crutches. Those missing an upper extremity play as goalkeepers. The teams play six per side with unlimited substitutions. Each half lasts 25 minutes. The causes of the amputations range from accidents to medical interventions – none of which have stopped the Guerreros Aztecas from continuing to play. The players’ age, backgrounds and professions cover the full sweep of Mexican society, and they are united by the will to keep their heads held high in a country where discrimination against the disabled remains widespread. (Photo by Bénédicte Desrus)

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Rodrigo Fernandez Loya (C), a player from Guerreros Aztecas and Los Dragones (“the Dragons”) during a match in Deportivo Tlalli II in Talnepantla, Mexico on September 27, 2014. Rodrigo, 25, lost his left leg in 2012 when he saved a girl from an onrushing train. Involved in a local 'barrio' gang until his accident, he says that the self-discipline he has developed during his time with Guerreros Aztecas has helped him turn his life around and he is currently studying for his high school diploma. Rodrigo has made the shortlist and is one of the team's biggest hopes to represent Mexico at this December's Amputee Soccer World Cup in Sinaloa. Guerreros Aztecas (“Aztec Warriors”) is Mexico City’s first amputee football team. Founded in July 2013 by five volunteers, they now have 23 players, seven of them have made the national team's shortlist to represent Mexico at this year's Amputee Soccer World Cup in Sinaloa this December. The team trains twice a week for weekend games with other teams. No prostheses are used, so field players missing a lower extremity can only play using crutches. Those missing an upper extremity play as goalkeepers. The teams play six per side with unlimited substitutions. Each half lasts 25 minutes. The causes of the amputations range from accidents to medical interventions – none of which have stopped the Guerreros Aztecas from continuing to play. The players’ age, backgrounds and professions cover the full sweep of Mexican society, and they are united by the will to keep their heads held high in a country where discrimination against the disabled remains widespread. (Photo by Bénédicte Desrus)

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Players from Guerreros Aztecas pose for a group photo with a “lucha libre” wrestler after a match in Mexico City, Mexico on July 5, 2014. Guerreros Aztecas (“Aztec Warriors”) is Mexico City’s first amputee football team. Founded in July 2013 by five volunteers, they now have 23 players, seven of them have made the national team's shortlist to represent Mexico at this year's Amputee Soccer World Cup in Sinaloa this December. The team trains twice a week for weekend games with other teams. No prostheses are used, so field players missing a lower extremity can only play using crutches. Those missing an upper extremity play as goalkeepers. The teams play six per side with unlimited substitutions. Each half lasts 25 minutes. The causes of the amputations range from accidents to medical interventions – none of which have stopped the Guerreros Aztecas from continuing to play. The players’ age, backgrounds and professions cover the full sweep of Mexican society, and they are united by the will to keep their heads held high in a country where discrimination against the disabled remains widespread. (Photo by Bénédicte Desrus)

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Baruch with his teammates at Guerreros Aztecas’s first anniversary celebrations in Mexico City, Mexico on July 5, 2014. Baruch Alejandro Anleu Ramirez, 18, is the captain of Guerreros Aztecas. Two years ago, Baruch had his left leg amputated due to bone cancer. He used to practice as much as his chemotherapy would allow. Expelled from school for missing too many classes during his treatment, he says, “Guerreros Aztecas has filled a big hole in my life”. Baruch was Guerreros Aztecas’s brightest hope to represent Mexico at the Amputee Soccer World Cup. But since the cancer’s spread to his lungs, he can no longer play or train with the team. Guerreros Aztecas (“Aztec Warriors”) is Mexico City’s first amputee football team. Founded in July 2013 by five volunteers, they now have 23 players, seven of them have made the national team's shortlist to represent Mexico at this year's Amputee Soccer World Cup in Sinaloa this December. The team trains twice a week for weekend games with other teams. No prostheses are used, so field players missing a lower extremity can only play using crutches. Those missing an upper extremity play as goalkeepers. The teams play six per side with unlimited substitutions. Each half lasts 25 minutes. The causes of the amputations range from accidents to medical interventions – none of which have stopped the Guerreros Aztecas from continuing to play. The players’ age, backgrounds and professions cover the full sweep of Mexican society, and they are united by the will to keep their heads held high in a country where discrimination against the disabled remains widespread. (Photo by Bénédicte Desrus)

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Players from Guerreros Aztecas celebrate the team’s first anniversary with family and friends in Mexico City, Mexico on July 5, 2014. Guerreros Aztecas (“Aztec Warriors”) is Mexico City’s first amputee football team. Founded in July 2013 by five volunteers, they now have 23 players, seven of them have made the national team's shortlist to represent Mexico at this year's Amputee Soccer World Cup in Sinaloa this December. The team trains twice a week for weekend games with other teams. No prostheses are used, so field players missing a lower extremity can only play using crutches. Those missing an upper extremity play as goalkeepers. The teams play six per side with unlimited substitutions. Each half lasts 25 minutes. The causes of the amputations range from accidents to medical interventions – none of which have stopped the Guerreros Aztecas from continuing to play. The players’ age, backgrounds and professions cover the full sweep of Mexican society, and they are united by the will to keep their heads held high in a country where discrimination against the disabled remains widespread. (Photo by Bénédicte Desrus)

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Baruch takes his medicine at his home in the Iztapalapa area of Mexico City, Mexico on July 8, 2014. Baruch Alejandro Anleu Ramirez, 18, is the captain of Guerreros Aztecas. Two years ago, Baruch had his left leg amputated due to bone cancer. He used to practice as much as his chemotherapy would allow. Expelled from school for missing too many classes during his treatment, he says, “Guerreros Aztecas has filled a big hole in my life”. Baruch was Guerreros Aztecas’s brightest hope to represent Mexico at the Amputee Soccer World Cup. But since the cancer’s spread to his lungs, he can no longer play or train with the team. Guerreros Aztecas (“Aztec Warriors”) is Mexico City’s first amputee football team. Founded in July 2013 by five volunteers, they now have 23 players, seven of them have made the national team's shortlist to represent Mexico at this year's Amputee Soccer World Cup in Sinaloa this December. The team trains twice a week for weekend games with other teams. No prostheses are used, so field players missing a lower extremity can only play using crutches. Those missing an upper extremity play as goalkeepers. The teams play six per side with unlimited substitutions. Each half lasts 25 minutes. The causes of the amputations range from accidents to medical interventions – none of which have stopped the Guerreros Aztecas from continuing to play. The players’ age, backgrounds and professions cover the full sweep of Mexican society, and they are united by the will to keep their heads held high in a country where discrimination against the disabled remains widespread. (Photo by Bénédicte Desrus)

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Rodrigo Fernandez Loya, a player from Guerreros Aztecas, does pull-ups on a stairwell in his backyard in Mexico City, Mexico on September 25, 2014. Rodrigo, 25, lost his left leg in 2012 when he saved a girl from an onrushing train. Involved in a local 'barrio' gang until his accident, he says that the self-discipline he has developed during his time with Guerreros Aztecas has helped him turn his life around and he is currently studying for his high school diploma. Rodrigo has made the shortlist and is one of the team's biggest hopes to represent Mexico at this December's Amputee Soccer World Cup in Sinaloa. Guerreros Aztecas (“Aztec Warriors”) is Mexico City’s first amputee football team. Founded in July 2013 by five volunteers, they now have 23 players, seven of them have made the national team's shortlist to represent Mexico at this year's Amputee Soccer World Cup in Sinaloa this December. The team trains twice a week for weekend games with other teams. No prostheses are used, so field players missing a lower extremity can only play using crutches. Those missing an upper extremity play as goalkeepers. The teams play six per side with unlimited substitutions. Each half lasts 25 minutes. The causes of the amputations range from accidents to medical interventions – none of which have stopped the Guerreros Aztecas from continuing to play. The players’ age, backgrounds and professions cover the full sweep of Mexican society, and they are united by the will to keep their heads held high in a country where discrimination against the disabled remains widespread. (Photo by Bénédicte Desrus)

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Baruch and his family on his eighteenth birthday at his home in the Iztapalapa area of Mexico City, Mexico on July 17, 2014. Baruch Alejandro Anleu Ramirez, 18, is the captain of Guerreros Aztecas. Two years ago, Baruch had his left leg amputated due to bone cancer. He used to practice as much as his chemotherapy would allow. Expelled from school for missing too many classes during his treatment, he says, “Guerreros Aztecas has filled a big hole in my life”. Baruch was Guerreros Aztecas’s brightest hope to represent Mexico at the Amputee Soccer World Cup. But since the cancer’s spread to his lungs, he can no longer play or train with the team. Guerreros Aztecas (“Aztec Warriors”) is Mexico City’s first amputee football team. Founded in July 2013 by five volunteers, they now have 23 players, seven of them have made the national team's shortlist to represent Mexico at this year's Amputee Soccer World Cup in Sinaloa this December. The team trains twice a week for weekend games with other teams. No prostheses are used, so field players missing a lower extremity can only play using crutches. Those missing an upper extremity play as goalkeepers. The teams play six per side with unlimited substitutions. Each half lasts 25 minutes. The causes of the amputations range from accidents to medical interventions – none of which have stopped the Guerreros Aztecas from continuing to play. The players’ age, backgrounds and professions cover the full sweep of Mexican society, and they are united by the will to keep their heads held high in a country where discrimination against the disabled remains widespread. (Photo by Bénédicte Desrus)

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Rodrigo, a player from Guerreros Aztecas, fixes his hair in the bathroom of his home in Mexico City, Mexico on September 25, 2014. Rodrigo Fernandez Loya, 25, lost his right leg in 2012 when he saved a girl from an onrushing train. Involved in a local 'barrio' gang until his accident, he says that the self-discipline he has developed during his time with Guerreros Aztecas has helped him turn his life around and he is currently studying for his high school diploma. Guerreros Aztecas (“Aztec Warriors”) is Mexico City’s first amputee football team. Founded in July 2013 by five volunteers, they now have 23 players, seven of them have made the national team's shortlist to represent Mexico at this year's Amputee Soccer World Cup in Sinaloa this December. The team trains twice a week for weekend games with other teams. No prostheses are used, so field players missing a lower extremity can only play using crutches. Those missing an upper extremity play as goalkeepers. The teams play six per side with unlimited substitutions. Each half lasts 25 minutes. The causes of the amputations range from accidents to medical interventions – none of which have stopped the Guerreros Aztecas from continuing to play. The players’ age, backgrounds and professions cover the full sweep of Mexican society, and they are united by the will to keep their heads held high in a country where discrimination against the disabled remains widespread. (Photo by Bénédicte Desrus)

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Players from Guerreros Aztecas hang out before the start of training in Mexico City, Mexico on July 31, 2014. Guerreros Aztecas (“Aztec Warriors”) is Mexico City’s first amputee football team. Founded in July 2013 by five volunteers, they now have 23 players, seven of them have made the national team's shortlist to represent Mexico at this year's Amputee Soccer World Cup in Sinaloa this December. The team trains twice a week for weekend games with other teams. No prostheses are used, so field players missing a lower extremity can only play using crutches. Those missing an upper extremity play as goalkeepers. The teams play six per side with unlimited substitutions. Each half lasts 25 minutes. The causes of the amputations range from accidents to medical interventions – none of which have stopped the Guerreros Aztecas from continuing to play. The players’ age, backgrounds and professions cover the full sweep of Mexican society, and they are united by the will to keep their heads held high in a country where discrimination against the disabled remains widespread. (Photo by Bénédicte Desrus)

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(L-R) Jose Luis Almaraz Mendoza and Martin Alvarez Olvera, both players from Guerreros Aztecas, get changed before training in Mexico City, Mexico on June 12, 2014. Jose Luis, 32, was washing the windows of his home when he fell 3 metres and lost his right leg. Martin, 49, lost his left arm to a disease of the nerves. He is the team’s goalkeeper and is currently unemployed. Guerreros Aztecas (“Aztec Warriors”) is Mexico City’s first amputee football team. Founded in July 2013 by five volunteers, they now have 23 players, seven of them have made the national team's shortlist to represent Mexico at this year's Amputee Soccer World Cup in Sinaloa this December. The team trains twice a week for weekend games with other teams. No prostheses are used, so field players missing a lower extremity can only play using crutches. Those missing an upper extremity play as goalkeepers. The teams play six per side with unlimited substitutions. Each half lasts 25 minutes. The causes of the amputations range from accidents to medical interventions – none of which have stopped the Guerreros Aztecas from continuing to play. The players’ age, backgrounds and professions cover the full sweep of Mexican society, and they are united by the will to keep their heads held high in a country where discrimination against the disabled remains widespread. (Photo by Bénédicte Desrus)

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Rey David Angeles Perez, goalkeeper of Guerreros Aztecas, stretches to claim an attempt on goal during training in Mexico City, Mexico on August 23, 2014. Rey David, 46, lost his left arm in a work accident in 2012. He joined Guerreros Aztecas in September 2013. He is currently unemployed but helps out at his sister’s restaurant. Guerreros Aztecas (“Aztec Warriors”) is Mexico City’s first amputee football team. Founded in July 2013 by five volunteers, they now have 23 players, seven of them have made the national team's shortlist to represent Mexico at this year's Amputee Soccer World Cup in Sinaloa this December. The team trains twice a week for weekend games with other teams. No prostheses are used, so field players missing a lower extremity can only play using crutches. Those missing an upper extremity play as goalkeepers. The teams play six per side with unlimited substitutions. Each half lasts 25 minutes. The causes of the amputations range from accidents to medical interventions – none of which have stopped the Guerreros Aztecas from continuing to play. The players’ age, backgrounds and professions cover the full sweep of Mexican society, and they are united by the will to keep their heads held high in a country where discrimination against the disabled remains widespread. (Photo by Bénédicte Desrus)

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Players from Guerreros Aztecas join their crutches together before playing a match in Mexico City, Mexico on August 23, 2014. Guerreros Aztecas (“Aztec Warriors”) is Mexico City’s first amputee football team. Founded in July 2013 by five volunteers, they now have 23 players, seven of them have made the national team's shortlist to represent Mexico at this year's Amputee Soccer World Cup in Sinaloa this December. The team trains twice a week for weekend games with other teams. No prostheses are used, so field players missing a lower extremity can only play using crutches. Those missing an upper extremity play as goalkeepers. The teams play six per side with unlimited substitutions. Each half lasts 25 minutes. The causes of the amputations range from accidents to medical interventions – none of which have stopped the Guerreros Aztecas from continuing to play. The players’ age, backgrounds and professions cover the full sweep of Mexican society, and they are united by the will to keep their heads held high in a country where discrimination against the disabled remains widespread. (Photo by Bénédicte Desrus)

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Jorge Morales Gil (R), a player from Guerreros Aztecas, lines up a shot on an open goal during a game with the team in Mexico City, Mexico on September 13, 2014. Jorge, 17, lost his right leg when he was 14 after falling out of a bus. He is a student. Guerreros Aztecas (“Aztec Warriors”) is Mexico City’s first amputee football team. Founded in July 2013 by five volunteers, they now have 23 players, seven of them have made the national team's shortlist to represent Mexico at this year's Amputee Soccer World Cup in Sinaloa this December. The team trains twice a week for weekend games with other teams. No prostheses are used, so field players missing a lower extremity can only play using crutches. Those missing an upper extremity play as goalkeepers. The teams play six per side with unlimited substitutions. Each half lasts 25 minutes. The causes of the amputations range from accidents to medical interventions – none of which have stopped the Guerreros Aztecas from continuing to play. The players’ age, backgrounds and professions cover the full sweep of Mexican society, and they are united by the will to keep their heads held high in a country where discrimination against the disabled remains widespread. (Photo by Bénédicte Desrus)

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Players from Guerreros Aztecas during a training session with the team in Mexico City, Mexico on August 23, 2014. Guerreros Aztecas (“Aztec Warriors”) is Mexico City’s first amputee football team. Founded in July 2013 by five volunteers, they now have 23 players, seven of them have made the national team's shortlist to represent Mexico at this year's Amputee Soccer World Cup in Sinaloa this December. The team trains twice a week for weekend games with other teams. No prostheses are used, so field players missing a lower extremity can only play using crutches. Those missing an upper extremity play as goalkeepers. The teams play six per side with unlimited substitutions. Each half lasts 25 minutes. The causes of the amputations range from accidents to medical interventions – none of which have stopped the Guerreros Aztecas from continuing to play. The players’ age, backgrounds and professions cover the full sweep of Mexican society, and they are united by the will to keep their heads held high in a country where discrimination against the disabled remains widespread. (Photo by Bénédicte Desrus)

Public Story

Keep Moving

Credits: bénédicte desrus

Updated: 02/03/21

Location: Mexico City

Archived as: Adolescence, Amputee, Community, Disability, Documentary, Essays, Football, Health/Healing, Illness, Latin America, Mexico, Photography, Soccer, Sports, Youth

KEEP MOVING

Meet Baruch, who, at eighteen, is one of Mexico's best young footballers. Two years ago, Baruch's left leg was amputated to halt the spread of a malignant tumor.

Baruch is the captain of Guerreros Aztecas, a volunteer-run team of amputee footballers whose ages, backgrounds and professions cover the full sweep of Mexican society.

From a government lawyer to a one-armed waiter at one of the city's best cantinas, from a 25-year-old high-school student to a 42-year-old ex-quarterback, their stories are no less varied. One of their midfielders lost a leg saving a girl from an onrushing train. Their goalie lost his arm in an industrial laundry.

Together, their experiences shed light on one of Mexico's most vulnerable populations: men of working age who are missing a limb. Rampant discrimination means that only 25% are in employment or study.

In a city where accidents and illness force 1,500 male amputees out of work every year, Guerreros Aztecas is as much about winning back dignity and masculine identity as it is about winning games.

And they are winning.

Founded one year ago by five players, they now have a squad of twenty-three. Seven of them have made the national team's shortlist to represent Mexico at this November's Amputee Soccer World Cup in Sinaloa.

Text by Tim Mac Gabhann