Real Madrid invite earthquake survivor Abderrahim Ouhida onto Bernabeu pitch to take special 'Honorary kick-off' in Kylian Mbappe's No.10 shirt - but what is it & who gets to do it?

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Real Madrid paid tribute to Abderrahim Ouhida, a survivor of the 2023 Morocco earthquake, by inviting him to take a special honorary kick-off at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday. Ouhida, who wore a Real Madrid shirt during the quake and lost five family members in the tragic incident, stepped onto the pitch in Kylian Mbappe’s No.10 jersey ahead of the Liga clash against Espanyol.

Madrid pay tribute to earthquake survivor

Ahead of Madrid's La Liga clash against Espanyol on Saturday, the league leaders invited Abderrahim Ouhida, a survivor of an earthquake tragedy which struck Morocco's Al Haouz region in 2023, to do an honorary kick-off at the Bernabeu. Ouhida wore Mbappe's No.10 as he stepped onto the pitch, completing a truly heartwarming moment.

Ouhida

A Madridista from the heart

Ouhida lost all five family members, as well as his home, when tragedy struck Morocco two years ago. The young boy was later spotted wearing a Madrid kit in an interview with Al Arabiya, where he grieved over the loss of his mother, father, grandfather, and two siblings. As he cried on air, he stated that he would live with his aunt, and that his father dreamed of him becoming a doctor. The interview went viral as it captured the hearts of millions across the globe. In fact, Ouhida's heartbreaking story reached Los Blancos, with El Chiringuito reporting at the time that the club were desperately searching for the boy after hearing about the tragic news. 

What is an honorary kick-off?

Honorary kick-offs are traditionally performed by fans of a club who have gone through exceptional hardship, or have survived a serious illness. Children and adults alike are able to perform them, provided they receive an invite from the club. 

Madrid always step forward in crisis

This isn't the first time Madrid or players associated to the Kings of Europe have stepped forward in times of crisis. In 2020, Madrid opened the doors of the Bernabeu to set it up as a hub for storing medical supplies. Almost one year ago, the club also donated €1 million to Valencia relief following the DANA disaster, as flash floods in the region claimed around 100 lives. 

“The Real Madrid Foundation and the Red Cross have today launched a fundraising campaign aimed at supporting those affected by the storm. Real Madrid has decided to support this campaign with the donation of €1m to help the many families who are in a critical situation and need all our help and solidarity," Madrid said in their statement at the time.

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Who will Madrid face next?

Xabi Alonso's side will face a tricky away trip to Levante following their home clash against Espanyol. The game is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, with the Atletico Madrid challenge awaiting Madrid next weekend.