Kearny man turns tiny car into rolling World Cup tribute
A local soccer fan is spreading World Cup spirit through the streets of "Soccer Town USA" with a one-of-a-kind decorated car that keeps neighbors smiling.
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In a town known as "Soccer Town USA," one resident is showing his love for the beautiful game in a way that's impossible to miss.
As World Cup excitement sweeps across New Jersey, Kearny resident Nuno Caleiro has transformed his small car into a rolling tribute to soccer. Covered in flags, decorations, player figures and even a replica World Cup trophy, the unique vehicle has become a local attraction.
"Kearny's a big soccer town, so I figured why not be part of it?" Caleiro said. "My friends are all soccer fans, so I wanted to be part of the community."
The World Cup-themed design may be grabbing attention now, but decorating his car has become a year-round tradition.
Caleiro regularly redesigns the vehicle to celebrate holidays and special occasions, including New Year's, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
"The trophy and the players are all screwed down with stainless steel screws because of the weather," he explained. "Most of the stuff is either glued or zip-tied."
Residents say the car has become a welcome sight around town.
"It's different for the community and different for our World Cup this year," said Kearny resident Romina Teles. "Very nice."
For Caleiro, the decorations are about more than just showing off his creativity.
"People look at my car and smile," he said. "You don't know what everybody's going through in their day or their life. If I can bring them out and make them smile for a minute, it makes me smile."
While the World Cup will eventually come to an end, Caleiro's next car transformation is likely just around the corner.
In Kearny, the decorations may change, but the mission remains the same: spreading a little joy, one drive at a time.
