Abderrahim Ouhida’s life was forever altered in a single night. The devastating earthquake that struck Morocco’s Al Haouz region destroyed his village and claimed the lives of his family, leaving him with an emptiness where his daily life once stood.
Yet his name was not lost in the tragedy. Abderrahim became a symbol of resilience, first on Moroccan television and then beyond, as his story touched hearts across borders. A child who survived catastrophe, he found hope and a path forward in Madrid, where he could connect with his greatest passion: football—and Real Madrid.
The club made his dream a reality. This week, Los Blancos invited Abderrahim and part of his family to attend the Champions League clash against Marseille at the Santiago Bernabéu. There, he lived an unforgettable night: meeting all his idols, collecting autographs on his white shirt, and above all, embracing Kylian Mbappé, who gifted him a signed jersey. The magical evening ended with him stepping onto the Chamartín pitch.
The journey continued the next day with visits to the Bernabéu Tour, the 15 European Cups, Real Madrid City, and even the basketball team. It wasn’t the first time Madrid had shown him kindness—last year, he received jerseys signed by both Mbappé and Vinícius.
Now, his story takes another step forward. Before kick-off against Espanyol, Abderrahim will walk onto the pitch to take the honorary kickoff. Just a few seconds before the match begins, but loaded with meaning: the gesture of a child who embodies resilience in the face of tragedy, and the hope of a future still to be written.
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