Published on Jun 01, 2025
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique delivered more than just a tactical masterclass in the 2025 UEFA Champions League final—he shared a deeply personal and emotional moment with the footballing world. After PSG’s historic 5–0 victory over Inter Milan in Munich, Enrique paid tribute to his late daughter Xana, who passed away in 2019 at the age of nine from bone cancer.
A Moment of Triumph and Tribute
As PSG celebrated their first-ever Champions League title at the Allianz Arena, Luis Enrique wore a special shirt that captured a powerful image: a drawing of himself and his daughter Xana planting a PSG flag. The illustration was based on a cherished memory from 2015, when Enrique celebrated his treble-winning campaign with Barcelona alongside Xana.
Adding to the emotion, PSG fans unveiled a giant tifo during the final that mirrored the same scene—father and daughter united in spirit at the height of sporting achievement. The gesture left Enrique visibly moved.
“It was very emotional with the banner from the fans for my family. But I always think about my daughter,” Enrique said post-match.
Honoring Xana’s Legacy
Xana passed away in August 2019 from osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Her loss marked a turning point in Enrique’s personal and professional life, and her memory has remained a source of strength for the Spanish manager.
His tribute at the final was not just symbolic—it was a declaration that love, memory, and resilience are just as central to football as tactics and trophies.
PSG’s Treble and Enrique’s Second
PSG’s dominant 5–0 win over Inter Milan capped off a historic treble-winning season under Enrique, who previously won a treble with Barcelona in 2015. The victory marked a new era for the French club, finally delivering the Champions League trophy they have long pursued.
Yet, for Enrique, the occasion was about more than silverware—it was about family, loss, and healing.
A Deeper Meaning to Football
Luis Enrique’s tribute struck a chord across the footballing world. In a sport often driven by results, his gesture reminded fans that behind every title, every celebration, and every victory lies a deeply human story.
His strength and vulnerability have inspired millions, and his moment with Xana during PSG’s biggest night will go down as one of the most heartfelt tributes in Champions League history.
Subscribe to our newsletter for more exclusive soccer stories, match breakdowns, and rising star features from around the world.
Receive regular soccer updates about our products, special offers and more!
We value your privacy and we’ll never send irrelevant information
Editors Top Picks