Real Madrid star forward Vinícius Júnior has reached out to 13-year-old Zaher from Sudan, inviting the teenager—who tragically lost both legs during a wartime drone strike—to travel to Spain and attend a live match together.
As reported by the BBC on Wednesday, the Brazilian international extended the invitation in a personal video message, in which he encouraged the teenager to remain strong and continue pursuing his dreams.
Zaher was injured in a drone strike in 2024 while trapped with his mother in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum. He has since undergone surgery and rehabilitation in Cairo, Egypt, where he was fitted with prosthetic legs.
The teenager’s story attracted international attention after reports emerged that he lost both legs while selling lentils with his mother, Habibah, amid the conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Following the incident, Zaher struggled with mobility and could only play football on his knees, exposing himself to further injuries and infections.
At the time, he expressed his wish to receive prosthetic legs so he could return to playing football with his friends.
His story subsequently 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 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 star said.
The 25-year-old praised Zaher’s resilience and urged 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,” Vinícius said.
The Brazilian then invited the teenager to visit Spain and attend a Real Madrid match with him.
Overwhelmed by the gesture, Zaher briefly left the room before returning in a new Vinícius Júnior football shirt.
Expressing his excitement, he said: “Tell Vinícius, I love him. His message has really uplifted me.”
His mother, Habibah, also expressed gratitude for the support her son had received, saying she felt people around the world were following his recovery and wishing him well.
“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 Zaher’s treatment, said the teenager had undergone a remarkable transformation, both physically and emotionally.
She recalled that he was initially withdrawn and unhappy but had gradually regained his confidence through treatment and rehabilitation.
Beyond football, Zaher has developed an interest in activities such as horse riding and cycling and hopes to become an airline pilot.
However, his mother remains concerned about his future, particularly his education and safety as Sudan continues to grapple with the consequences 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.
Although the Sudanese army has regained control of Khartoum, extensive destruction and security concerns remain across the city.
Zaher and his mother have since returned to Khartoum, where they hope he can receive regular medical checks and adjustments to his prosthetic legs as he grows.
His recovery offers a story of hope amid Sudan’s humanitarian crisis, even as millions of children continue to face displacement, hunger, violence and limited access to essential services.
What You Should Know
This heartwarming story highlights the global impact of community fundraising and personal compassion amidst the devastating ongoing conflict in Sudan. Through international support and medical intervention, young Zaher has received prosthetic limbs, allowing him to walk again and fulfilling his dream of returning to football.
- Positive Impact: Demonstrates the immense power of global solidarity, sportsmanship, and charity in transforming a young trauma victim’s life and restoring his hope.
- Potential Concerns: Underscores the severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where millions of children remain displaced, injured, and vulnerable to ongoing violence and lack of proper infrastructure.
