Vinícius Jr's message to Sudan boy who received prosthetic legs after BBC report sparked appeal

Read Madrid footballer Vinícius Júnior has sent a surprise video message to 13-year-old Zaher praising his courage and inviting him to spend the day together at a Real Madrid game. Zaher lost both his legs after a drone strike in Khartoum, Sudan, where the battle between Sudan's army and the RSF continues to devastate the country. When the BBC first met him in 2025 he said that he dreamt of being able to walk and play football again.

His story resonated with viewers and money was raised for treatment in Cairo, including prosthetic legs. After surgery followed by months of physiotherapy and psychological support in Cairo, Zehar returned to Sudan feeling "uplifted" by Vini Jr's message he says. Watch: Vinícius Jr's surprise message to boy who received prosthetic legs after Sudan drone strike.

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