Luis Enrique thanks Barcelona for 'thoughtful gesture' as Champions League opponents make special donation in honour of PSG coach's daughter

Ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash at the Estadio Olimpico Lluis Companys, Barca and PSG joined forces to support the Xana Foundation, established by Enrique in memory of his late daughter. Barca players wore special shirts that were later auctioned, with a portion of proceeds directed to the Fundacion Blaugrana’s Blaugrana Bracelets program. The initiative aims to make long-term hospital stays for seriously ill children more comfortable, while directly benefiting families connected to the Xana Foundation.

The collaboration between Barca and PSG marks a heartwarming continuation of months-long support, including planned meetings between young patients and first-team players. PSG, meanwhile, will also auction off its jerseys with all proceeds going directly to the foundation.

After securing a 2-1 victory with PSG over his former club, Enrique took a moment to acknowledge Barcelona’s support for the Xana Foundation.

"I would like to thank FC Barcelona for the thoughtful gesture they have made in donating their shirts to be auctioned and raising funds for the Xana Foundation," Enrique said during his post-match press conference. "It’s a very nice gesture from the president and the entire club," he added further.

For Enrique, the recognition and support carry immense personal meaning. The donation coincides with recent accolades for the foundation, which recently received the Socrates Prize for its social and solidarity initiatives.

Enrique’s youngest daughter, Xana Martinez, passed away at age nine after a five-month battle with osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer. Her illness led Enrique to step down as Spain’s national team coach in June 2019 to focus on her care. Her death on August 29, 2019, left Enrique and his family devastated, marking a profound and transformative chapter in his life.

Through the Xana Foundation, Enrique and his wife, Elena Cullell, have turned grief into purpose, providing comprehensive medical, emotional and social support to children with serious illnesses and their families. His work off the pitch reflects a dedication to ensuring that no family faces the challenges of serious childhood illness alone.

With jersey auctions supporting the Xana Foundation, both clubs are turning fans’ passion into tangible help for children and families facing serious illnesses. Enrique’s journey shows how personal loss can spark collective action, proving that football’s reach extends far beyond trophies and scores, leaving a lasting impact on communities and inspiring others to contribute.