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Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior has invited a 13-year-old Sudanese boy, who lost both legs in a drone strike, to Spain to watch a football match with him.
The Brazilian football star extended the invitation through a personal video message to Zaher, encouraging him to remain strong and continue pursuing his dreams despite the challenges he has faced.
Zaher was injured in a drone strike in 2024 while selling lentils with his mother, Habibah, in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum. 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 attracted international attention after reports emerged that he had struggled to move around and could only play football on his knees, putting himself at risk of further injuries and infections.
His wish to receive prosthetic legs and return to playing football with his friends inspired an international fundraising campaign led by Dena Latif, a UK-based lawyer of Sudanese origin. The campaign raised £45,000 to support his medical treatment.
The funds helped facilitate his relocation to Cairo, where he underwent further surgery, months of physiotherapy and psychological support. After almost a year of treatment, Zaher can now walk with his prosthetic legs and kick a football again.
During a recent reunion with journalists in Cairo, the teenager was shown a video message from Vinícius, his favourite footballer.
“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.
The 25-year-old praised Zaher’s resilience and encouraged him to make the most of his new prosthetic legs.
“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,” he said.
Vinícius then invited the teenager to Spain to attend a Real Madrid match with him.
“I would like to invite you to attend a Madrid match. We can spend the day together,” he added.
Zaher was visibly overwhelmed by the gesture and briefly left the room before returning in a new Vinícius Júnior football shirt.
“Tell Vinícius, I love him. His message has really uplifted me,” he said.
His mother, Habibah, also expressed gratitude for the support her son had received, saying she felt people around the world were rooting for his recovery.
“I feel like the whole world is cheering Zaher on, wanting him to succeed,” she said.
Dr Bintelmuna Eltayeb, one of the doctors involved in his treatment, said Zaher had undergone a remarkable physical and emotional transformation. She recalled that he was initially withdrawn and unhappy but gradually regained his confidence through treatment and rehabilitation.
Beyond football, Zaher has developed an interest in horse riding and cycling and hopes to become an airline pilot. However, his mother remains concerned about his education and safety as Sudan continues to grapple with the effects of the conflict.
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.
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.
