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Luis Enrique’s heartfelt legacy with daughter Xana in the Champions League
Samira Vishwas | June 1, 2025 10:12 AM CST

Luis Enrique, the renowned football manager, has left an indelible mark on the sport, guiding teams like Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to remarkable victories. However, beyond the trophies and tactics, his journey is deeply personal, intertwined with the memory of his beloved daughter, Xana. Tragically, Xana passed away in August 2019 at the age of nine after a brave battle with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Despite this unimaginable loss, Luis Enrique carries her spirit with him, especially during pivotal moments like the UEFA Champions League finals.

Xana’s Presence in the 2015 Champions League Triumph

A decade ago, in 2015, Luis Enrique celebrated a monumental victory as he led Barcelona to a 3-1 win over Juventus in the UEFA Champions League final in Berlin. Xana, then just five years old, joined her father on the pitch in a heartwarming moment, planting a Barcelona flag into the turf. This iconic image remains a cherished memory for Luis Enrique, symbolizing joy, family, and triumph. The victory was part of Barcelona’s historic treble that season, cementing Luis Enrique’s legacy as one of football’s elite managers.

A Triumphant Return with PSG in 2025

Fast forward to June 1, 2025, and Luis Enrique found himself back in the Champions League spotlight, this time with Paris Saint-Germain. In a stunning 5-0 victory over Inter Milan at Munich’s Allianz Arena, PSG claimed their first-ever Champions League title. After the final whistle, Luis Enrique paid a touching tribute to Xana, wearing a shirt featuring the logo of the Fundación Xana, a charity established in her honor by Luis Enrique and his wife, Elena Cullell.


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