A 13-year-old Sudanese boy, Zaher, who lost his legs in a drone strike during the war in Sudan, has received a surprise video message from his favorite footballer, Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior. The message, recorded in Arabic, was a response to an interview Zaher gave to the BBC last year, in which he expressed his admiration for the Brazilian footballer and his dream of walking again.
Zaher's life was forever changed in 2024 when he and his mother were trapped in Khartoum, Sudan's capital, amidst fighting between the country's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The family had to sell lentils on the streets to survive, but a drone strike left Zaher without his legs. His mother, Habibah, was devastated, and Zaher was left to navigate a new reality, relying on a wheelchair to get around.
With the help of an online campaign led by UK-based lawyer Dena Latif, which raised £45,000 ($60,000) for his medical care, Zaher was able to travel to Cairo with his mother to receive treatment. Despite the challenges of obtaining passports and birth certificates, which had been destroyed during the war, Zaher underwent surgery and months of physiotherapy and training to learn to use his prosthetic legs.
Zaher's transformation has been remarkable, with his confidence and determination growing significantly. Dr. Bintelmuna Eltayeb, one of the doctors involved in his care, notes that Zaher's progress has been impressive, with the young boy now laughing and approaching life with a newfound sense of enthusiasm. Zaher has even started to make plans for his future, including horse riding, cycling, and becoming an airline pilot.
Vinícius Júnior's message to Zaher was a significant moment in his recovery, offering words of encouragement and support. The footballer told Zaher that he is a "hard-working black man" and that he hopes he will make good use of his new prosthetic legs and return to playing football. Vinícius Júnior also extended an invitation to Zaher to attend a Real Madrid match, which has left Zaher overjoyed.
Despite the progress Zaher has made, concerns remain about his future, particularly in Sudan, where the civil war continues. His mother, Habibah, worries about his education and how he will be received in their home city, Khartoum, where buildings have been left destroyed and food insecurity remains a significant concern.
Zaher and his mother have now returned to Khartoum, where they hope to access medical care and support for his prosthetic legs. Dena Latif hopes that Zaher's story will draw attention to the plight of thousands of other Sudanese children who have suffered life-altering injuries during the war, and that his recovery will inspire greater support and funding for those affected.
Key points
- Zaher, a 13-year-old Sudanese boy, received a video message from Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior offering support and encouragement after losing his legs in a drone strike during the war in Sudan.
