PSG manager Luis Enrique is preparing for his second Champions League final appearance, a journey he says is influenced by the memory of his daughter, Xana, who died in 2019.
Xana Martinez passed away at age nine on August 29, 2019, after battling osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer. Luis Enrique had stepped away from his role coaching the Spanish national team months earlier to focus on her care.
The loss devastated Luis Enrique and his wife, Elena Cullell. Despite the profound grief, the manager has stated he considers himself fortunate for the nine years they shared with Xana and the multitude of memories they created.
He often speaks about Xana remaining a spiritual presence in their lives. He encourages his family, including his mother who found it difficult initially, to keep photos of Xana visible, asserting that she is still "alive" in remembrance and spirit.
Luis Enrique has openly linked his professional drive, particularly the pursuit of trophies like the Champions League, to honoring Xana's memory. He dedicated Spain's match against Germany during the 2022 World Cup to her on what would have been her 13th birthday.
Beyond the pitch, he has used his platform to support childhood cancer research. During the 2022 World Cup, he donated proceeds from online interactions to the Enriqueta Villavecchia Foundation.
Luis Enrique previously won the Champions League with Barcelona in 2015. In his first season with PSG, he secured the Ligue 1 title and the French Cup, now aiming for Europe's top club prize against Inter Milan.
He continues to draw strength from Xana's impact on his life.
