Real Madrid invited Abderrahim Ouhida a survivor of the 2023 Morocco earthquake who lost five family members and his home to perform an honorary kick-off at the Santiago Bernabéu. Ouhida stepped onto the pitch wearing Kylian Mbappé’s No.10 jersey before the La Liga match with Espanyol.
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HEARTFELT TRIBUTE AT THE BERNABEU
Ahead of the Espanyol game, the league leaders invited Ouhida to the pitch for an honorary kick-off. Wearing Mbappé’s No.10, he completed a touching moment that resonated with fans.
OUHIDA’S STORY
Ouhida lost his mother, father, grandfather and two siblings when the Al Haouz region was hit by the 2023 earthquake. He also lost his home and later said he would live with his aunt; he recalled his father’s dream of him becoming a doctor.
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VIRAL INTERVIEW AND CLUB RESPONSE
An interview with Al Arabiya showed Ouhida wearing a Madrid kit and grieving on air; that clip went viral worldwide. Reports at the time said Real Madrid were searching for the boy after hearing his story.
WHAT AN HONORARY KICK-OFF MEANS
Honorary kick-offs are usually offered to fans who have survived serious hardship or illness. Clubs invite children or adults who have endured extraordinary situations to perform the gesture as a show of support.
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MADRID’S PAST SOLIDARITY WORK
Real Madrid has a track record of stepping forward in crises. In 2020 the club opened the Bernabéu to store medical supplies, and almost a year ago it donated €1 million to Valencia relief after deadly flash floods.
The club also launched a joint fundraising campaign with the Red Cross to help affected families.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR MADRID
After the Espanyol match, Xabi Alonso’s side are due to travel to Levante on Tuesday, with the Atletico Madrid fixture following next weekend.
