فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
In a humanitarian gesture that received widespread attention, Spanish club Real Madrid honored the Moroccan child Abdel Rahim Wahida, the sole survivor who lost his entire family in the devastating Al Haouz earthquake on September 8, 2023. The tribute took place on the evening of September 20, 2025, at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, prior to the team’s match against Espanyol, where Abdel Rahim performed the opening kick amid warm applause from the crowd and a heartfelt welcome from the club’s players, led by star Kylian Mbappé.
Abdel Rahim, now 16 years old, hails from one of the villages in the Al Haouz province severely affected by the earthquake that claimed over 2,900 lives. He lost his parents, siblings, and grandfather under the rubble, remaining alone. His image crying while wearing a Real Madrid jersey during an interview with Al Arabiya TV became a symbol of pain and resilience, sparking global sympathy that prompted the Royal Club to act swiftly.
Following the impactful video, Real Madrid announced a special humanitarian initiative. By late September 2023, Abdel Rahim relocated to Spain where the club took responsibility for his accommodation, education, and training at the “La Fábrica” academy. This initiative not only opened the doors of his football dreams but also provided him with a new family and an environment supportive of overcoming his tragedy.
Two years after the tragedy, the stage was set for a historic moment on September 20, 2025, when thousands of fans applauded Abdel Rahim at Santiago Bernabéu during his official tribute. He performed the honorary opening kick, took photos with players, and enjoyed a moving moment that cemented his image as a symbol of hope and determination.
The tribute ignited social media reactions, with thousands sharing videos tagged #RealMadrid and #MoroccoEarthquake, describing the scene as “more beautiful than any sports victory.” Others called for expanding such individual initiatives into broader collective support for all children affected by the quake.
This story highlights the profound humanitarian dimension of sports, confirming that football is more than just competition—it is a message of global solidarity. Real Madrid’s initiative joins a record of humanitarian efforts, including support for Ukrainian refugees in 2022 and charity campaigns for victims of natural disasters worldwide.
