Luis Enrique (Image: Michael Regan/UEFA via Getty Images)
In the wake of Paris Saint-Germain's emphatic victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final, Luis Enrique paid a heartwarming tribute to his late daughter. PSG sealed their first-ever Champions League trophy with a resounding 5-0 win over Inter in Munich, leading to stirring scenes post-match.
Enrique, still grieving the loss of his daughter Xana in August 2019 at just nine years old due to osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, echoed an unforgettable moment from his time as Barcelona's manager when he led them to Champions League success in 2015. On that celebrated occasion, young Xana joyously placed a Barcelona flag onto the field, creating an enduring image.
Luis Enrique celebrates with Vitinha, while wearing a t-shirt paying tribute to his daughter (Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
When the final whistle confirmed PSG's dominant win, Enrique quickly donned a new T-shirt embellished with an image of Xana's jubilant act after Barcelona's triumph. Shortly thereafter, PSG supporters displayed a massive tifo depicting the same cherished photograph.
Before the game, Enrique reminisced: "I have incredible memories because my daughter loved parties, and I'm sure she's still throwing them wherever she is," and recalled the cherished snapshot from the Berlin final, saying, "I remember an incredible photo I have with her at the Champions League final in Berlin, after winning the Champions League, planting an FC Barcelona flag on the pitch.
"I hope to be able to do the same with PSG. My daughter won't be there, she won't be there physically, but she will be there spiritually, and that's very important to me. I'm motivated to continue moving forward with what life gives me, sharing it with my family.