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Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior has invited a 13-year-old Sudanese boy who lost his legs in a drone strike to attend a match and spend the day with him, according to a video message the BBC shared on Wednesday.
The boy, Zaher, lost his legs in a drone attack in Khartoum, Sudan’s capital, in 2024 during the country’s ongoing civil war. In an earlier interview, he told the BBC that Vinicius was his favorite player and that he hoped to meet him one day. He dreams of playing football again.
The broadcaster contacted the Brazilian international through Real Madrid. Vinicius responded with a personal video message, which the BBC shared on Instagram.
“I was made aware of your story. I know how difficult the last few months must have been for you,” Vinicius said in the video.
He added: “You are a hard-working black man. I really hope you make good use of your new prosthetic legs, return to playing football, and find happiness. You deserve it.”
The Brazilian winger then invited the young supporter: “I would like to invite you to attend a Madrid match. We can spend the day together,” he said.
Zaher underwent surgery and months of rehabilitation in Cairo, Egypt’s capital, where he received prosthetic legs and learned to walk and kick a football again.
He and his mother have returned to Khartoum. Zaher hopes to obtain a visa to travel to Spain and accept the invitation from his favorite player.
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