While other football fanatics are getting excited about the matches, some FIFA World Cup spectators are more ‘ballsy’ for Kenyan’s Metro Man!
However, you might be wondering, who’s this Metro Man? And why has he become an internet sensation overnight? Sweeping the trends on TikTok and other social media platforms with his iconic ‘Metro this way! Metro that way!’
This big-hearted and smiley Kenyan-born Abubakar Abbass is a 23-year-old that journeyed to Qatar for a job. Yet, luck strikes this down-to-earth man differently as he was instructed to be a guide during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Interestingly, Abbass’ job is to direct the soccer fans to the metro station. Thus, this is when his epochal catchphrase was born. And what makes it more fun is people will reply, ‘this way!’ whenever Abbass says ‘metro!’ through his megaphone. How cute their interaction is!
A normal job made extraordinarily
Following Abbass’ journey from Kenya to Qatar, do you know that he initially interviewed to work as a security man?
He shared, “Coming here [in Qatar], I knew I was going to work as a security man, but I later discovered that my task was to guide people, help them find a way, in case they are lost.”
Humbly, Abbass believed this opportunity came only once in his life. Therefore, he ceases the chance to go to Qatar by taking the late-night bus and begins his dreams there. Now, he has become the talk of the town. Additionally, he’s every fan favorite and might be more famous than Messi!
Although it’s not a job everyone fancies, people might say, ‘what’s the big deal? He’s just giving directions,’ it’s the sincerity in Abbas that makes everyone smile. He enjoys his job, and it’s visible. That’s something we can appreciate: happiness and positivity.
Not only people from Kenya are proud of him, but everyone is!
Somehow, it proves that everyday life that seems boring can be fun if you take a moment to look around and appreciate the little things.
If you can’t get enough of Metro Man, follow him on his TikTok!
And, Abbass has clarified that @metro_man001 is his only real account. Do keep that in mind!
So, when Metro Man 001 says, ‘metro!’, don’t forget to reply, ‘this way!’ Spread the joy— it’s contagious!
Sources: TikTok official metro man 001, IOL, The Star Kenya, Sports Brief