The Santiago Bernabéu was filled with emotion on Saturday evening as 16-year-old Abderrahim Ouhida, a young Moroccan fan who lost nearly his entire family in the 2023 earthquake in Morocco, stepped onto the pitch to take the ceremonial kick-off before Real Madrid clashed with Espanyol.
Real Madrid confirmed in a Saturday statement that “Abderrahim Ouhida took the ceremonial kick-off for Real Madrid vs. Espanyol at the Bernabéu.
“The 16-year-old Moroccan lost his parents, two sisters and grandfather in the devastating earthquake that struck his country in September 2023.”
The teenager’s tragedy, which shook hearts worldwide, has been met with extraordinary support from the football community.
This week, Ouhida finally realised one of his greatest dreams: a visit to the Bernabéu to see his idols.
The club detailed the young fan’s journey, sharing that “on Tuesday, he watched the Champions League match against Olympique de Marseille live and then met and had his photo taken with his idols.
“He has also visited Real Madrid City and the Bernabéu.”
The emotional tribute culminated in what the club described as “the most exciting moment: the ceremonial kick-off of the match against Espanyol.”
The Bernabéu crowd responded with thunderous applause as Ouhida, wearing the iconic white of Madrid, strode onto the field.
PUNCH Online reports that Madrid lead 2-0 in the ongoing game with goals from Eder Militao and Kylian Mbappe in the 22nd and 47th minutes respectively.
The death toll from what reports dubbed as Morocco’s deadliest earthquake in more than six decades rose to over 2,700.
Search teams then from Spain, Britain and Qatar joined Moroccan rescue efforts after a 6.8 magnitude quake struck, in September, in the High Atlas Mountains, with the epicentre 72 km (45 miles) southwest of Marrakech.
