Ahead of Madrid’s La Liga clash against إسبانيول on Saturday, the league leaders invited Abderrahim Ouhida, a survivor of an earthquake tragedy which struck المغرب‘s Al Haouz region in 2023, to do an honorary kick-off at the Bernabeu. Ouhida wore Mbappe’s No.10 as he stepped onto the pitch, completing a truly heartwarming moment.
Ouhida lost all five family members, as well as his home, when tragedy struck Morocco two years ago. The young boy was later spotted wearing a Madrid kit in an interview with Al Arabiya where he grieved over the loss of his mother, father, grandfather, and two siblings. As he cried on air, he stated that he would live with his aunt, and that his father dreamed of him becoming a doctor. The interview went viral as it captured the hearts of millions across the globe. In fact, Ouhida’s heartbreaking story reached Los Blancos, with إل شيرينغيتو reporting at the time that the club were desperately searching for the boy after hearing about the tragic news.
Honorary kick-offs are traditionally performed by fans of a club who have gone through exceptional hardship, or have survived a serious illness. Children and adults alike are able to perform them, provided they receive an invite from the club.
This isn’t the first time Madrid or players associated to the Kings of Europe have stepped forward in times of crisis. In 2020, Madrid opened the doors of the Bernabeu to set it up as a hub for storing medical supplies. Almost one year ago, the club also donated €1 million to فالنسيا relief following the DANA disaster, as flash floods in the region claimed around 100 lives.
“The ريال مدريد Foundation and the Red Cross have today launched a fundraising campaign aimed at supporting those affected by the storm. Real Madrid has decided to support this campaign with the donation of €1m to help the many families who are in a critical situation and need all our help and solidarity,” Madrid said in their statement at the time.
Xabi Alonso’s side will face a tricky away trip to ليفانتي following their home clash against Espanyol. The game is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, with the أتلتيكو مدريد challenge awaiting Madrid next weekend.
