For a young football fan, hearing from a favourite player can be an unforgettable moment. For 13-year-old Zaher from Sudan, a video message from Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior meant even more.

After losing both legs in a drone strike, he had been through months of treatment and rehabilitation, all while holding on to his love of football.

Vinicius recorded the message after the BBC shared Zaher's story with him. He also invited the teenager to watch a Real Madrid match. It was a special gesture, but Zaher's story is about more than the invitation.

His journey has involved a difficult escape from the fighting, help from strangers, medical treatment in Cairo, and the long process of learning to walk and play football again.

Football Remained Part of Zaher's Life

Zaher lost both legs in 2024 during the war between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. At the time, he and his mother, Habibah, were struggling to survive in Khartoum. Unable to afford to leave the city.

They were selling lentils on the streets when a drone struck.

Doctors could not save either of his legs. With specialist treatment difficult to access, Zaher relied on a wheelchair to get around a neighbourhood already badly affected by the fighting.

But losing his legs did not take away his love of football. Before receiving prosthetic legs, he even tried playing on his knees. It was painful, though, and carried a risk of serious infection, according to the BBC's earlier report.

For Zaher, getting back to football was about being able to do something he had always enjoyed. It was not about meeting a famous player or visiting a famous stadium. He just wanted to play with his friends again.

When the BBC first met him in 2025, he named Vinicius as his favourite footballer. The broadcaster later shared his story with the Brazilian, who responded with a video message.

The People Who Helped Zaher Get Treatment

A major turning point came after the BBC's first report brought attention to Zaher's situation. Dena Latif, a UK-based lawyer of Sudanese origin, helped launch an online fundraising campaign to pay for his medical care.

The appeal raised £45,000, according to the BBC. Getting Zaher and his mother to the treatment they needed was not easy. Neither had a passport, and their birth certificates had been destroyed during the war.

After months of planning, they eventually made the journey to Cairo. Accommodation, food, and medical appointments had been arranged for them. Zaher underwent further surgery before beginning months of physiotherapy and learning to use his prosthetic legs.

He also received psychological support. When the BBC returned to see him, he was able to walk and kick a football again.

Vinicius Jr's Message and Invitation

Vinicius did more than send Zaher a quick greeting. He spoke about what the teenager had been through, wished him well with his new prosthetic legs, and encouraged him to return to football.

He also made a special offer, telling Zaher: "I would like to invite you to attend a Madrid match."

The teenager was clearly overwhelmed. He briefly left the room before returning in a Vinícius shirt.

Speaking about the message, Zaher said: "His message has really uplifted me."

For someone who has followed the Brazilian for years, the chance to watch Real Madrid in person is something to look forward to. The invitation also gives Zaher the possibility of meeting the player he admires.

However, the visit has not yet been confirmed. Zaher hopes to obtain a visa and accept the invitation, but there is no confirmation that a trip has been arranged or that a match date has been agreed.

Zaher's Recovery is Far From Over

The BBC's return to Zaher also revealed that he and his mother have since gone back to Khartoum. They missed their home, relatives and friends. They also hope he can have his prosthetic legs checked and adjusted there as he grows.

That does not mean his medical journey is over. Learning to use prosthetic legs takes time, and he will need continued care and support as he gets older.

Latif also hopes the attention around Zaher's story will help other Sudanese children living with life-changing injuries.