Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique is widely regarded as one of the respected coaches in world football right now. Having enjoyed huge successful career as a player for both Real Madrid and Barcelona, he is now preparing for this third Champions League final as a manager, having lifted the trophy with the French giants last season.
But behind his fiercely competitive demeanor lies a deeply moving and tragic personal story that shook the footballing world several years ago. In June 2019, Luis Enrique unexpectedly stepped down from his role as manager of the Spanish national team, with the Spanish Football Federation citing "urgent personal matters". Two months later, in August 2019, Enrique released a devastating statement confirming that his youngest daughter, Xana, had tragically passed away at the age of just nine. Xana had spent five intense months fighting osteosarcoma, a rare and highly aggressive form of bone cancer that primarily affects children, teenagers and young adults.
In a heartbreaking public statement at the time, Enrique said: "We will miss you a lot but we will remember you every day of our lives with the hope that one day in the future we will meet again. You will be the star that guides our family. Rest in peace, Xanita." The news sparked an outpouring of support from the footballing world, with Enrique himself earning praise for his positive and brave outlook on the tragedy. Speaking candidly in a recent multi-part documentary about his life and career , he shared his inspiring perspective on the nine years he got to spend with Xana.
"My daughter came to live with us for nine wonderful years," he said. " We have a thousand memories of her. You may ask whether I consider myself fortunate or unfortunate. I consider myself to have been fortunate.
Very fortunate." Xana's memory remains intertwined with Enrique’s footballing career. Following his historic Champions League triumph with PSG, the manager poignantly dedicated the victory to his late daughter, stating that she was with him "spiritually." The emotional connection touched the hearts of the French club's supporters, with PSG fans unveiling a massive, emotional tifo in the stands depicting the manager celebrating on the pitch with Xana.