Luis Enrique’s life is a shade of triumphs, heartbreak, and unshakable love—woven together by the threads of family. Beyond the roaring stadiums and glittering trophies lies a man whose greatest pride isn’t his legendary football career, but his three children: Pacho, Sira, and Xana.
Each has shaped him in ways the world rarely sees—Pacho with his adventurous spirit, Sira with her quiet strength, and Xana, whose brief but radiant life left an indelible mark. Their stories reveal the heart behind the coach’s steely gaze, a man who measures success not in titles, but in moments: a flag planted on a pitch, a shared laugh, a legacy of love that outlasts even the deepest loss.
A Family Anchored in Love
Luis Enrique’s life off the pitch is as compelling as his storied football career—maybe even more so. At the heart of his world are his three kids: Pacho, Sira, and Xana. Each has carved a unique space in his heart, shaping the man behind the manager’s stoic demeanor.
Pacho, the eldest, is now 26 and shares his father’s love for sports—though not necessarily football. He’s into watersports, which makes sense given the family’s coastal lifestyle in Gavà, near Barcelona. Their home, complete with a swimming pool and padel court, is a hub for activity, and Pacho seems to have inherited his dad’s relentless energy. Then there’s Sira, 25, who’s all about equestrian sports. She’s close with her father, often sharing candid, joyful moments on social media that reveal their tight-knit bond. A recent photo of them grinning together went viral, showing a side of Luis Enrique that fans rarely see—the proud, doting dad.
But it’s Xana, the youngest, whose story lingers the most. Born in November 2009, she was a whirlwind of energy—bright, playful, and utterly adored. Luis Enrique once called her “amazing,” and those who knew her described her as a spark of pure joy. One of their most iconic moments together came in 2015, after Barcelona’s Champions League victory. A then-five-year-old Xana, grinning from ear to ear, planted a Barça flag into the pitch alongside her father. That image became a symbol of their connection, frozen in time.
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The Enrique-Cullell family was—and still is—incredibly close. Luis Enrique’s wife, Elena, has been his rock since they married in 1997. Together, they built a life centered on love, resilience, and an unshakable bond. But in 2019, their world was shattered when Xana, just nine years old, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer. Luis Enrique immediately stepped away from managing Spain’s national team to be by her side. For five grueling months, Xana fought bravely, surrounded by her family’s love until her passing in August 2019.
Xana’s Light: A Legacy That Endures
Grief changes people. For Luis Enrique, it didn’t break him—it deepened him. Instead of retreating from the world, he and Elena channeled their pain into something meaningful: the Fundación Xana, a charity dedicated to supporting children with cancer and their families. It’s a way to keep Xana’s spirit alive, turning unimaginable loss into hope for others.
Football, too, became a vessel for remembrance. When PSG won the Champions League in 2025—their first ever—Luis Enrique didn’t just celebrate a trophy. He honored Xana. Fans unveiled a massive tifo of him and Xana recreating that 2015 flag-planting moment, but this time in PSG colors. Overcome with emotion, he swapped his coaching attire for a black T-shirt with her name and a cartoon depiction of them holding PSG flags. “She won’t be there physically, but she’ll be there spiritually,” he said before the match. And when the final whistle blew, it wasn’t just a victory for PSG—it was a tribute to a little girl who’s still very much part of her father’s journey.
Truly moving video, as Luis Enrique discusses the heartbreaking death of his 9-year-old daughter, who passed from bone cancer in 2019.
Amazing courage shown by current PSG manager, finding beauty from such profound tragedy ❤️❤️
From @MovistarFutbol‘s Enrique documentary. pic.twitter.com/WwPIsVJl0c
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) October 15, 2024
What’s striking is how Luis Enrique speaks about Xana. There’s no bitterness, just gratitude. “I consider myself fortunate,” he once reflected. “My daughter came to live with us for nine wonderful years. We have thousands of memories.” In a documentary about his life, he described her as a guiding star, a presence he feels every day. Whether it’s a quiet moment at home or the roaring euphoria of a Champions League win, Xana is there—in laughter, in memories, in the way he lives his life.
Pacho and Sira, too, carry their sister with them. Family photos often include subtle nods to Xana, a reminder that while she’s gone, she’s never forgotten. Sira, especially, has been open about how her sister’s passing strengthened their family’s bond. The Enriques don’t just mourn Xana; they celebrate her, ensuring her light never dims.
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Luis Enrique’s story isn’t just about football glory. It’s about love in its purest, most resilient form. It’s about a father who treasures his children—the ones who walk beside him and the one who guides him from above. And whether he’s lifting a trophy or sharing a quiet moment with his family, one thing’s clear: his kids are his greatest legacy.
