Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior has invited Zaher, a 13-year-old Sudanese teenager who lost both legs in a 2024 drone strike, to Spain to attend a football match with him. The Brazilian star extended the invitation via a personal video message, encouraging Zaher to remain strong and continue pursuing his dreams despite the severe challenges he has faced.
Zaher was injured while selling lentils with his mother, Habibah, in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan. The attack occurred amid the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Following the incident, the teenager underwent treatment and rehabilitation in Cairo, Egypt, where he received prosthetic legs after losing both limbs.
His story gained international attention after reports highlighted his struggle to move and his attempts to play football on his knees, which risked further injury and infection. This inspired an international fundraising campaign led by Dena Latif, a UK-based lawyer of Sudanese origin, which raised £45,000 to support his medical treatment. The funds facilitated his relocation to Cairo for further surgery, months of physiotherapy, and psychological support. After nearly a year of treatment, Zaher is now able to walk with his prosthetic legs and kick a football again.
“I was made aware of your story. I know how difficult the last few months must have been for you,” the Real Madrid forward said in the video message. “You are a hard-working black man. I really hope you will make good use of your new prosthetic legs, that you return to playing football and that you find happiness. You deserve it.”
Vinícius, 25, concluded his message by inviting Zaher to attend a Madrid match, stating, “We can spend the day together.” Zaher was visibly overwhelmed by the gesture, briefly leaving the room before returning wearing a new Vinícius Júnior football shirt. “Tell Vinícius, I love him. His message has really uplifted me,” the teenager said. His mother, Habibah, expressed gratitude for the global support, noting, “I feel like the whole world is cheering Zaher on, wanting him to succeed.”
Dr Bintelmuna Eltayeb, one of the doctors involved in Zaher’s treatment, described his physical and emotional transformation, noting that he was initially withdrawn but gradually regained his confidence. Beyond football, Zaher has developed interests in horse riding and cycling and hopes to become an airline pilot in the future. Zaher and his mother have since returned to Khartoum, where he hopes to receive regular medical checks and adjustments to his prosthetic legs as he grows.
The case highlights the broader humanitarian crisis in the region. According to UNICEF, more than 17 million children in Sudan require humanitarian assistance, while thousands have been killed or injured since the conflict began in 2023.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
