By 
Munich, May 31, 2025 – Paris Saint-Germain delivered a masterclass performance at the Allianz Arena, dismantling Inter Milan 5-0 in a one-sided Champions League final. The victory marked a crowning achievement for PSG and their Spanish manager, Luis Enrique, who celebrated with an emotional outpouring, rushing to embrace his players the moment the final whistle blew. For Enrique, the triumph was more than a professional milestone it was a deeply personal tribute to his late daughter, Xana Martínez, whose memory continues to inspire him.
Xana, Enrique’s youngest daughter, tragically passed away in August 2019 at the age of nine after a five-month battle with osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer. Diagnosed in early 2019, Xana’s illness prompted Enrique to step down from his role as head coach of the Spanish national team in June of that year to focus on supporting her through treatment. Despite the family’s efforts and medical care, the cancer proved insurmountable. Enrique announced her passing with a heartfelt statement, calling Xana a “star” who would guide their family forever. “We will miss you lots, but we will remember you every day of our lives with the hope that in the future we will meet again,” he wrote.
Born in 2010 to Enrique and his wife, Elena Cullell, Xana was the youngest of their three children, alongside older siblings Pacho and Sira. Her brief but vibrant life left an indelible mark on her family. In a 2024 Movistar+ documentary, You Have No F…,ing Idea, Enrique reflected on the joy Xana brought during her nine years, saying, “My daughter came to live with us for nine wonderful years. We have thousands of memories… I consider myself fortunate, very fortunate.” He described her as a spiritual presence guiding him through life’s highs and lows.
Saturday’s victory held special significance for Enrique, who has long expressed a desire to honor Xana’s memory on football’s grandest stage. He recalled a cherished moment from 2015 when, as Barcelona’s manager, he won the Champions League, and five-year-old Xana planted a Barcelona flag on the pitch in celebration. Ahead of the 2025 final, Enrique shared his hope to plant a PSG flag at the Allianz Arena, noting, “My daughter won’t be there physically, but she’ll be there spiritually.” Commentators described PSG’s dominant performance as a fitting tribute to Xana’s enduring influence on her father’s journey.
The final itself was a showcase of PSG’s attacking prowess and Enrique’s tactical brilliance. The French champions overwhelmed Inter Milan with a relentless display, securing their second Champions League title and cementing Enrique’s legacy as one of football’s elite managers. As the team lifted the trophy, the emotional weight of the moment was palpable, with Enrique visibly moved, his thoughts undoubtedly with Xana.
For PSG fans and football observers alike, the victory was a testament to Enrique’s resilience and leadership, both on and off the pitch. His ability to channel personal grief into professional excellence has inspired many, and Saturday’s triumph will be remembered as much for its emotional resonance as for its sporting dominance. As Enrique planted the PSG flag in Munich, Xana’s spirit shone brightly, a guiding star for a father, a team, and a city celebrating a historic night.
