Vinicius Junior invites Sudanese boy who lost both legs to Real Madrid match

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has invited a 13-year-old Sudanese boy who lost both legs in a drone attack in 2024 to attend one of the Spanish club’s matches in Madrid.

Vinicius spoke to Zaher by video call while the boy was in Cairo, offering him the chance to watch Real Madrid and spend a day together in Spain, according to the BBC.

“I have heard your story and I know how difficult the past few months have been for you,” Vinicius told Zaher. “I hope you make good use of your new prosthetic legs, return to playing football and find happiness. You deserve that. I would like to invite you to attend a match in Madrid, and we can spend the day together.”

Zaher was overcome with emotion after hearing the invitation and briefly left the room. He then returned wearing a Vinicius Junior shirt, saying the Brazil international was his favourite player.

The boy also said he hoped to obtain a visa to travel to Spain.

His mother, Habiba, said the invitation had given her considerable encouragement.

“I feel as though the whole world is supporting Zaher and wants him to succeed,” she said.

Zaher’s recovery

Zaher’s injuries occurred during the war in Sudan, which began in 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The conflict has displaced millions of children and caused a serious deterioration in humanitarian conditions across the country.

After losing both legs in the drone attack in 2024, Zaher moved to Cairo for treatment because access to specialist medical care had been limited.

He underwent surgery followed by months of rehabilitation and physiotherapy. He was also trained to use his new prosthetic legs and received psychological support to help him cope with the effects of the trauma.

Zaher has since regained the ability to walk and kick a ball, having previously dreamed of returning to football.

The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, says more than 17 million children in Sudan need humanitarian assistance.

The war has killed or injured at least 4300 people, according to the report cited in the article.