Today would be her 13th birthday: Spain coach Luis Enrique with an emotional message to his deceased daughter

Created: 11/28/2022 5:36 am

By: Felix Durach

Luis Enrique with his daughter Xana Martinez after winning the Spanish Cup in 2016. © Bagu Blanco/imago-images

November 27 is a special day for Spain coach Luis Enrique, and not only because of the game against Germany.

His daughter Xana would have been 13 today.

Doha — In contrast to Germany, Spain can now go into the top game of Group E at the 2022 World Cup in a much more relaxed manner.

In contrast to the DFB team, coach Luis Enrique's team didn't miss the start of the tournament.

The 2010 world champions started with an impressive 7-0 win over Costa Rica (teams at the 2022 World Cup)

— a class difference.

A game against the four-time world champion from Germany (broadcast dates of the DFB team) is always a prestige duel for the Iberians.

World Cup 2022: Luis Enrique with emotional message to deceased daughter - "we love you"

It's a special day for the Spanish coach.

This is not only due to the World Cup game against Germany, but also has personal reasons for Enrique.

On November 27, 2009, Enrique's daughter Xana Martinez was born.

However, Luis Enrique and his wife Elena Cullell have to celebrate their 13th birthday without their daughter.

Xana passed away on August 29, 2019 at the age of just nine.

The Spanish head coach published an Instagram video on Sunday morning in which he commemorates his daughter.

The video shows the 52-year-old on a morning bike ride in the Qatari desert.

"Today we not only play against Germany, today is also a very special day, because Xanita would have been 13 years old," Enriqe begins.

Then the Spain coach speaks directly to his daughter.

"Amore, wherever you are, lots of kisses, have a great day, we love you."

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Luis Enrique: Daughter Xana died in 2019 — she would have been 13 on Sunday

Xana Martinez was diagnosed with a malignant bone tumor (osteosarcoma) at the age of nine.

Luis Enrique resigned as Spain national coach after being diagnosed in March 2019 to take care of his daughter.

After five months, Xana Martinez finally lost the fight against the serious illness.

Enrique publicized his daughter's death in a statement on Twitter, writing, "You will be the star that guides our family."

Less than three months after Xana's death, Luis Enrique returned to football and resumed the post of national coach.

At the 2022 World Cup, the 52-year-old, who won the treble with FC Barcelona in the 2014/15 season, is now aiming for his first title with the national team.

The foundation for this should be laid against Germany (schedule for the 2022 World Cup).

Luis Enrique's older daughter, Sira Martinez, is now in a relationship with a Spanish international of all people.