Vinícius Jr Surprises Sudanese Boy Who Lost Both Legs in Drone Strike With Emotional Message
Real Madrid superstar Vinícius Júnior has surprised a 13-year-old Sudanese boy who lost both legs in a drone strike with a touching video message and an invitation to attend a Real Madrid match.
The Brazilian footballer’s gesture brought an emotional moment for Zaher, whose dream of playing football again was shattered by the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
Zaher lost both legs during a drone attack in Khartoum, Sudan’s capital, in 2024. However, after receiving medical treatment and prosthetic legs in Egypt, the young football fan has started rebuilding his life.
His favourite footballer is Vinícius Jr, and he had previously expressed his hope of meeting the Real Madrid winger one day.
That wish recently received an unexpected response.
Vinícius Jr Sends Personal Message to Zaher
In a video message arranged through Real Madrid, Vinícius addressed the young supporter directly.
The footballer began by greeting Zaher in Arabic before acknowledging the difficult experience he had endured.
“I was made aware of your story. I know how difficult the last few months must have been for you,” Vinícius said.
He encouraged the teenager to make good use of his new prosthetic legs and continue pursuing his dream of playing football.
“I really hope you make good use of your new prosthetic legs, return to playing football, and find happiness. You deserve it,” the Brazilian star added.
The message became even more special when Vinícius extended a personal invitation.
“I would like to invite you to attend a Madrid match. We can spend the day together,” he told Zaher.
Zaher was visibly overwhelmed after watching the video.
He briefly left the room before returning wearing his Vinícius Jr football shirt.
The teenager then shared his excitement, saying he loved the footballer and that the message had lifted his spirits.
How Zaher Lost Both Legs in Sudan’s Drone Attack
Zaher’s difficult journey began in 2024 when he and his mother, Habibah, were struggling to survive in Khartoum.
Sudan had been devastated by fighting between the country’s military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
The conflict began in April 2023 and has caused widespread destruction, displacement and suffering.
With food and basic supplies becoming increasingly difficult to obtain, Zaher and his mother resorted to selling lentils on the streets.
During one of those difficult mornings, a drone struck while they were working together.
The explosion left Zaher seriously injured and resulted in the loss of both his legs.
His mother later described the heartbreaking moment when she discovered the extent of his injuries.
She recalled seeing her son covered in blood and struggling to understand what had happened.
After the attack, Zaher faced enormous physical and emotional challenges.
Before the incident, football had been one of his favourite activities. However, he could no longer play the game as he once did.
He later told the BBC that he wished he could receive prosthetic legs so he could play football with his friends again.
£45,000 Fundraising Campaign Helped Rebuild His Life
Zaher’s story attracted international attention after the BBC reported his situation.
His determination to walk again and return to football inspired people to support his recovery.
A UK-based lawyer of Sudanese origin, Dena Latif, helped organise an online fundraising campaign.
The campaign raised approximately £45,000, equivalent to about $60,000, to support Zaher’s medical treatment.
Because the required specialist care was difficult to access in Sudan, Zaher and his mother eventually travelled to Cairo, Egypt.
There, he underwent further surgery and received prosthetic legs.
He also completed months of rehabilitation and physiotherapy to learn how to walk again.
Medical professionals provided psychological support to help him recover from the trauma of the attack.
His progress has been encouraging.
Zaher can now stand, walk and kick a football again using his new prosthetic legs.
Those close to him have also noticed a major improvement in his confidence and personality.
Zaher Dreams of Meeting His Football Hero
The surprise message from Vinícius has given Zaher another reason to remain hopeful.
His admiration for the Brazilian winger was first revealed during an earlier BBC report in 2025.
At the time, he was still struggling with the consequences of the drone attack.
He had spoken about his dream of meeting Vinícius and returning to the football pitch.
Now, that dream has moved closer to reality following the Real Madrid star’s invitation.
However, Zaher still needs to obtain the necessary travel visa before he can accept the invitation and visit Spain.
He and his mother have since returned to Khartoum after receiving treatment in Cairo.
They hope to have his prosthetic legs checked and adjusted as he continues growing.
Sudan’s Children Continue to Suffer From War
While Zaher’s recovery represents a hopeful story, millions of other children in Sudan continue to face serious challenges.
The country’s conflict has destroyed homes, disrupted education and limited access to healthcare.
According to UNICEF figures cited in the BBC report, more than 17 million children in Sudan need humanitarian assistance.
The organisation has also verified thousands of cases of children being killed or injured during the conflict.
Zaher’s experience highlights the devastating impact of the war on ordinary families.
His recovery has also demonstrated how international support can help children rebuild their lives after traumatic experiences.
For Zaher, Vinícius Jr’s message represents more than an invitation to watch football.
It is an opportunity to meet the player who inspired him during one of the most difficult periods of his young life.
And as he continues learning to walk and play again, the teenager is holding on to his dream of returning to the football pitch.
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