In Munich's CL-Finale, Enrique's Emotional Tribute to Daughter Xana
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Commemorative Event in Munich: Crowd Honors Late 9-Year-Old Girl, Xana - Memories Persist Among Munich Fans of Tragic Loss of 9-Year-Old Xana
Nothing more heart-wrenching and awe-inspiring. Amidst the euphoria over Paris Saint-Germain's record-breaking Champions League win, Luis Enrique dons a t-shirt dedicated to his late daughter Xana. A sea of fans unfurl a colossal banner in honor of the cherished coach and the young girl who left us too soon due to bone cancer. "Xana is forever with us, she's always on our minds," Enrique says, still standing on the Munich Arena pitch. "I believe she'd be dancing here with us."
The night of conflicting emotions, with Desiree Doue's stunning 5-0 victory against Inter Milan, saw Enrique, in a whirlwind of joy from his second Champions League triumph, and Simone Inzaghi, stunned and contemplating his future at Inter.
Champions League Finale Remembers Xana Enrique
A decade ago, Enrique, a former football star, led FC Barcelona to victory in the Champions League in Berlin. A mounted image of him then, along with daughter Xana planting a winner's flag on the grass, inspired the PSG fans in Munich who rekindled the memory with the grand banner. Xana passed away in August 2019 at the tender age of nine from bone cancer. Numerous fans had previously displayed black t-shirts adorned with the same image as a symbol of empathy and solidarity.
"The fans have provided my family and me immense joy," shared Enrique. "I think of Xana daily, even though we don't win titles. My daughter is always with us. She supports me. I feel her presence." Even renowned Spanish sports newspaper Marca acknowledged Xana's legacy, headlining on Sunday: "Celebrated in heaven."
- Champions League
- Luis Enrique
- Inter Milan
- Munich
Insights:
- Xana Martínez, daughter of Paris Saint-Germain manager, Luis Enrique, lost her life at the age of nine due to osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer.
- Enrique's family's struggle with Xana's illness and her eventual passing inspired fans to show empathy through black t-shirts and large banners in her honor.
- Enrique has described how Xana's memory and spirit motivate and guide him in both his personal and professional life. Her memory continues to be a beacon for the family during significant moments.
- Despite the excitement of the Champions League finale, the memory of Xana Enrique, the late daughter of Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique, was honored with financial aid in the form of black t-shirts worn by numerous fans, symbolizing empathy and solidarity.
- In the midst of the European leagues, recognizing Xana Enrique's legacy, Spanish sports newspaper Marca highlighted her story as a celebration "in heaven," further demonstrating the impact of community aid in supporting families in difficult times.
