In the world of football, the passion for the game often transcends the boundaries of the pitch, weaving personal stories and emotions that connect players, coaches and fans alike.
However, amid the thrill of victories and the agony of defeat, there are moments that remind us of the fragility of life and the profound impact it can have on those involved.
One such heart-wrenching tragedy struck the family of renowned football manager Luis Enrique, former Barcelona coach and current head coach of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
In 2019, the football community was shaken to its core when news broke of the untimely passing of Enrique’s beloved daughter, Xana Martinez, at the tender age of 9.
Xana’s life was cut tragically short, leaving behind an indescribable void in her family’s hearts and a wave of sympathy that resonated across the footballing world.
In this article, we delve into the heartbreaking circumstances surrounding Xana’s passing, shedding light on the profound impact it had on Enrique and his family.
Who is Luis Enrique?
Enrique is a Spanish football manager and former player. He was born on May 8, 1970, in Gijón, Spain. As a player, he earned 62 caps for Spain and played for both Barcelona and Real Madrid.
He started his senior career in midfield for his hometown club Sporting Gijon before catching the eye of Real Madrid.
Due to his keen eye for goal and ability to make attacking runs into the box, Enrique frequently played as a forward or either in a withdrawn role as a second striker.
He would also play as an out-and-out striker or centre forward – he was also used in deeper midfield roles.
In addition to his playing abilities, he also stood out for his commitment, temperament, determination, and leadership.
As a coach, Enrique has managed several teams, including Barcelona B, Roma, Celta, Barcelona, and the Spanish national team.
He was appointed as the new head coach of Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.
Enrique has won several honors as a coach, including the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, Spanish championship and UEFA Supercup.
What happened to Luis Enrique’s daughter Xana said Martinez?
Xana Martinez was the daughter of Enrique and his wife, Elena Cullell. She was born in 2009 and was only nine years old when she died of bone cancer on August 29, 2019.
Xana’s death was a devastating blow to the family, and Enrique took a break from his role as the head coach of the Spanish national team to be with his family during this difficult time.
The news of Xana’s death was met with an outpouring of support from the football community, with many players and clubs expressing their condolences to the family.
After a few months, Enrique returned to his role as the head coach of the Spanish national team.
Xana’s death had a profound impact on Enrique, and he has since become an advocate for cancer research and treatment.
In 2020, he participated in the Giving Tuesday campaign to raise funds for the fight against childhood cancer.
In an interview with El Pais, he spoke about the pain of losing his daughter and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.
Xana Martinez illness
Xana was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, which is the most common form of bone cancer, in 2019, and bravely fought the disease for five months but unfortunately passed away.
Osteosarcoma is a type of cancer that starts in the bones and can spread to other parts of the body. It is most commonly found in children and young adults.
The symptoms of osteosarcoma can include pain, swelling and bone fractures. Treatment for osteosarcoma typically involves chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy.