Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr sends message to Sudanese boy who lost legs in war

A 13-year-old boy named Zaher, who was once a shy and withdrawn child caught in the chaos of the conflict in Sudan, has been given a boost of hope by his favorite footballer. While many fans follow Real Madrid to track every Real Madrid match, for Zaher, the club represents a personal connection to a dream he once thought was impossible. After losing both of his legs in a 2024 drone strike in Khartoum, Zaher has undergone extensive surgery and rehabilitation in Cairo, where he is now walking on new prosthetic limbs.

A message from a hero

The young boy's journey began in the ruins of Sudan's capital, where he and his mother, Habibah, struggled to survive amidst the fighting between the army and the Rapid Support Forces. After a BBC report highlighted his story and his love for the Brazilian winger, a fundraising campaign led by UK-based lawyer Dena Latif raised £45,000 to cover his medical expenses. Upon hearing of Zaher's recovery, Vinícius Júnior recorded a heartfelt video message in Arabic, addressing the boy directly. The footballer praised Zaher's resilience, calling him a hard-working young man and inviting him to attend a future match to spend the day together.

Sudanese double amputee Zaher receives a surprise invitation from football star Vinícius Júnior.

Overwhelmed by the gesture, Zaher expressed his deep gratitude, stating that the message has significantly uplifted his spirits. His mother described the global outpouring of support as a sign that the world is rooting for her son's success. While Zaher hopes to secure a visa to accept the invitation to see his hero in person, he is already back to playing the sport he loves, marking a profound transformation from the child who once had to play on his knees in the rubble of his home.

Why it matters

This story highlights the plight of over 17 million children in Sudan currently in need of humanitarian assistance due to the ongoing conflict. Zaher’s recovery and the international support he received underscore the impact of individual advocacy in providing life-changing medical care to victims of war who have otherwise lost access to basic services.