As Paris Saint-Germain celebrated their historic first-ever UEFA Champions League final victory at Munich`s Allianz Arena on Saturday, manager Luis Enrique`s late daughter, Xana, was foremost in everyone`s thoughts.
Xana tragically passed away in 2019 at the age of nine after a battle with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer. However, Enrique and his family have ensured her memory lives on. He often pays tribute to Xana during significant career milestones, and the Champions League final on Saturday was no different, with several nods to his daughter visible during the post-match festivities.
After wearing a plain black t-shirt during the match, Enrique changed into one featuring a design created for the Xana Foundation. He wore this shirt as he collected his winner`s medal. Enrique and his wife, Elena Cullell, established the foundation following their daughter`s passing. The t-shirt design referenced a cherished photo of Xana from the Champions League final ten years prior, where Enrique`s Barcelona team claimed victory at Berlin`s Olympiastadion.
“I have wonderful memories because my daughter adored celebrations, and I am certain she is still celebrating wherever she is,” Enrique had remarked earlier in the season. “I recall an incredible photograph of us at the Champions League final in Berlin, after winning, planting an FC Barcelona flag on the pitch. I hope to recreate that moment with PSG. My daughter won`t be there physically, but she will be spiritually, and that means a great deal to me. I am driven to keep moving forward with life`s challenges, sharing everything with my family.”
This wasn`t the sole tribute to Xana at the Allianz Arena on Saturday. Some time after the final whistle confirmed PSG`s 5-0 triumph over Inter, the club`s supporters displayed a banner that echoed the image of Xana.
“It means a lot,” Enrique commented regarding the banner. “It`s very touching, but I don`t require winning the Champions League to remember my daughter. She is always with us, particularly during difficult times, and with my family, we cherish every moment, striving to find the positives even in adversity.”
These recent gestures are part of ongoing tributes to Xana, whom Enrique has called `the guiding star of our family` since her passing. She has served as a constant source of motivation throughout his career, with Enrique consistently incorporating memories of Xana into his professional achievements, regardless of the event.
This includes a moment in 2022 when Spain`s critical World Cup group stage match against Germany coincided with Xana`s 13th birthday. He marked the day with an Instagram post honoring his daughter, writing, “Today is a special day. Not only because we are playing Germany, but also because my daughter Xana would be turning 13. My love, wherever you are, we love you. We miss you.”
Following Spain`s 1-1 draw against Germany, he also took a moment to speak about Xana.
“It was a special day for my family and me,” he commented. “Of course, our daughter is no longer physically with us, but her presence is felt every day. We remember her often, we laugh, and we imagine how she would react in different situations we face. That is life. It`s not solely about beautiful moments and seeking happiness; it`s also about knowing how to navigate the difficult times.”
This commitment stems from his family`s dedication to preserving her memory in various ways. A key aspect is keeping her memories central to their daily lives, a point he emphasized in the 2024 documentary `Luis Enrique: You Have No F—ing Idea,` recalling a conversation with his mother shortly after Xana`s death.
“My mother found it difficult to keep photos of Xana visible until I came home and asked her, `Mom, why aren`t there any pictures of Xana?`” he recounted. “`I can`t, I just can`t.` `Mom, you must display photos of Xana. Xana is alive.` She may not be physically present, but she is spiritually, because every day we speak about her, we laugh, and we remember, and I believe Xana still sees us.”
The family also honors their daughter through the Xana Foundation, which offers support to families with children facing serious illnesses. Enrique acknowledged that he and his wife, Elena Cullell, had the advantage of being able to leave their jobs to care for Xana; he took a leave from his role with the Spain national team in March 2019, resigning that June, just two months before Xana passed away. Enrique and his wife recognized that not all families have this ability, prompting the foundation to provide assistance where needed.
The family holds cherished memories of Xana, ones he considers himself fortunate to possess.
“Can I consider myself lucky or unlucky? I consider myself lucky, very lucky,” he stated in the documentary. “My daughter was with us for nine wonderful years. We have countless memories of her, videos, amazing moments.”
