Xana Martínez, the beloved daughter of PSG manager Luis Enrique, enjoyed a vibrant nine years prior to her tragic death from osteosarcoma in 2019. Her passing created an enduring void within her family’s affections, yet her luminous spirit persists in inspiring others. Few narratives resonate as profoundly as that of Xana Martínez, the cherished daughter of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) manager Luis Enrique.
Xana’s existence, although tragically brief, made a lasting impact on her family and the football community. Her death at the young age of nine from osteosarcoma, an uncommon type of bone cancer, caused profound grief for Luis Enrique and his family. Yet, in the face of such profound loss, Xana’s memory has transformed into a source of inspiration, invigorating her father’s resilience, sense of purpose, and dedication to excellence.
Xana Martínez Was a Cherished Member of a Loving Family
Born in 2010 to Luis Enrique and his wife, Elena Cullell, Xana was the youngest of their three children, alongside her elder siblings, Pacho and Sira. From her earliest days, Xana exuded happiness, her contagious enthusiasm illuminating the lives of those around her. A treasured moment recorded in 2015, when Luis Enrique celebrated Barcelona’s Champions League victory in Berlin, depicts Xana radiating with pride alongside her father, as she triumphantly places a Barcelona flag on the pitch. This image, engraved in her father’s memory, represents the bond they shared—a connection that extended beyond the football field and was grounded in unconditional affection.
Xana Martínez’s lively personality established her as a prominent member of the Martínez-Cullell family. Luis Enrique frequently reflects on the “thousand memories” they forged over her nine years, encompassing joyful family vacations as well as peaceful moments of companionship. These recollections, captured in videos and photographs, continue to serve as a source of solace and resilience. Even as Xana confronted her battle with osteosarcoma, which was diagnosed in early 2019, her bravery and dignity served as an inspiration to those around her. For five arduous months, she demonstrated a resilience that belied her youthful age, leaving an enduring impact on her family and the medical teams at Sant Joan de Déu and Sant Pau hospitals in Spain.
A Lasting Spiritual Presence
Rather than permitting mourning to characterize him, Luis Enrique has decided to preserve Xana’s memory in a manner that exudes positivity. He characterizes her as a spiritual presence, consistently present in the daily existence of his family. “Although she may not be present physically, she remains spiritually present,” he stated in the Movistar documentary. Because we discuss her daily, share laughter, and reminisce, I believe Xana continues to observe us. This conviction has become a fundamental element of his resilience, enabling him to derive pleasure from memories and to honor Xana by leading a purposeful life.
Luis Enrique’s dedication to preserving Xana’s essence is demonstrated through subtle yet significant actions. He recounted a poignant moment with his mother, who found it difficult to display photographs of Xana following her passing. “I informed her, ‘Mom, you must display pictures of Xana; Xana is still alive!’” he stated, emphasizing that her memory persists through affection and remembrance. These endeavors to honor Xana’s life have assisted the family in coping with their bereavement, turning their sorrow into a tribute to her enduring and vibrant legacy.
Xana’s memory also echoes during public occasions. During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, on what would have been Xana’s 13th birthday, Luis Enrique honored her by dedicating Spain’s match against Germany to her. In an Instagram video, he stated, “Not only are we competing against Germany today, but Xanita would have celebrated her 13th birthday,” extending her a “good day” regardless of her whereabouts. Following the 1-1 draw, he expressed that her presence continues to be a constant: “Obviously, we no longer have our daughter with us physically, but she remains present every day.” We often recall her with fondness, sharing laughter and contemplating how she would respond in each circumstance. This sincere tribute resonated with both spectators and players, demonstrating Luis Enrique’s capacity to derive strength from vulnerability.
Luis Enrique’s daughter serves as a significant source of inspiration for the PSG manager
As the manager of PSG, Luis Enrique has integrated Xana’s memory into his professional endeavors, employing her as a guiding light in his pursuit of success. In January 2025, he candidly expressed how Xana motivates his quest for the UEFA Champions League, a trophy he secured with Barcelona in 2015 alongside her. “I am confident she is commemorating somewhere,” he remarked, recalling their shared moment in Berlin. I hope she is able to achieve the same success with PSG. She will be present in spirit, and she would wish for me to persist in engaging in what sustains my life.
That aspiration was realized when Luis Enrique guided Paris Saint-Germain to their inaugural UEFA Champions League triumph in 2025. For the manager, the victory held deep personal significance, representing a full-circle moment from celebrating with Xana in 2015 to once again hoisting the trophy in her memory by his side. Enrique attributed the victory to his daughter, expressing that her steadfast support provided him with fortitude throughout the campaign.
Luis Enrique’s leadership at PSG exemplifies the resilience he has developed through the memory of Xana. Beyond the playing field, Luis Enrique has transformed his adversity into a meaningful pursuit through philanthropic efforts. During the 2022 World Cup, he conducted Twitch streams with supporters, donating fifty percent of the proceeds to the Enriqueta Villavecchia Foundation, which advances research on childhood cancer. This initiative, maintained throughout his tenure at PSG, exemplifies his dedication to commemorating Xana by supporting others confronting comparable struggles. His conduct motivates those in his vicinity, including players and supporters, to confront challenges with bravery and empathy.
A Heritage of Compassion and Strength
Xana Martínez’s existence, though short, was a precious gift that continues to illuminate the world. Her passing plunged Luis Enrique and his family into profound grief, yet her remembrance now serves as a guiding light of hope and inspiration. Through his words and actions, Luis Enrique guarantees that Xana continues to be a dynamic presence, leading his family and inspiring his quest for excellence. “My daughter Xana resided with us for nine remarkable years,” he stated. We possess a thousand recollections of her—videos and moments that preserve her presence.
For enthusiasts, athletes, and all those affected by Xana’s story, her legacy serves as a reminder to value each moment and confront life’s challenges with steadfast resilience. Luis Enrique’s journey—characterized by love, loss, triumph, and an unwavering dedication to honoring his daughter—serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. As he guided PSG to European triumph, Xana’s prominence illuminated consistently, serving as a persistent reminder that even amidst the bleakest circumstances, love persists, and inspiration can emerge from suffering.
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