As Paris Saint-Germain celebrated their first-ever UEFA Champions League title at Munich’s Allianz Arena, Luis Enrique was profoundly touched by the memory of his late daughter, Xana. She passed away in 2019 after battling osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer, but her memory remains vivid for Enrique and his family.
Throughout his career, Enrique has honored Xana’s legacy, and the recent final was no different, marked by heartfelt tributes during the celebrations. Changing into a t-shirt featuring a design from the Xana Foundation, Enrique collected his winner’s medal in tribute to his daughter. This design harkened back to a cherished photo of Xana at a previous Champions League final ten years prior, where Enrique’s former team, Barcelona, also emerged victorious.
“I have incredible memories because my daughter loved parties, and I’m sure she’s still celebrating wherever she is,” Luis said earlier this season. He reflected on a special moment from the 2015 final in Berlin when Xana, then just a child, planted an FC Barcelona flag on the pitch after the win. “My daughter may not be here physically, but she is with me in spirit, and that inspires me to keep moving forward,” he added.
The emotional atmosphere was further heightened as fans unveiled a banner in memory of Xana, to which Enrique commented, “It carries deep significance for me. Winning the Champions League is not necessary for me to remember my daughter. She is with us always, especially during tough times.”
Enrique previously described Xana as “the guiding star of our family,” emphasizing that her spirit continues to motivate him through each milestone in his career, no matter the occasion.
In a moving anecdote from a 2022 World Cup match while facing Germany on Xana’s 13th birthday, he began his day by sharing a touching Instagram post about her. “Today is special not just because we play a crucial match but because my daughter would be turning 13. We love and miss her dearly,” he expressed, highlighting how they keep her memory alive in everyday life.
Through the Xana Foundation, which supports families affected by illness, Enrique and his wife, Elena Cullell, strive to help others navigate their struggles, recognizing their privilege to focus on their daughter during her critical times. The family cherishes countless memories of Xana, with Enrique acknowledging, “I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have spent nine wonderful years with her. We have many beautiful memories captured over the years.”
