From fleeing refugee camp to walking side-by-side with Ronaldo
As the biggest club in world football, Real Madrid rarely find themselves away from the public eye, with every action analysed by fans, rivals and the media alike.
However, whether you are Galacticos mad, a committed Barcelona fan, or don’t care for football one bit, their latest gesture to a refugee family is one everyone can appreciate.
Earlier this month, as the ten-time Champions League winners prepared to face off against Granada in a La Liga clash, it was seven-year-old Syrian Zaid Mohsen that all the cameras were on.
Accompanying Cristiano Ronaldo onto the field of play, the youngster was mascot for the day and received a thunderous applause from the packed Bernabeu crowd.
Zaid was made famous earlier in the month after being tripped by a Hungarian journalist, Petra Laszlo, as his family attempted to flee Roszke reception centre on the Hungary-Serbian border.
His family were the VIPs for Real Madrid’s home tie and for Zaid’s father, Osama, it was a moment he will never forget.
“It’s a dream come true. I love Real Madrid, it’s my favourite team and that of all my family,” Osama said.
“I’m very thankful for the president’s welcome. In Syria we dreamed of seeing a Real Madrid game and now it will come true.”
Osama has also now been offered a job and accommodation after a Spanish football academy learnt of his previous work as a football coach in his native Syria.
Last month, Real Madrid joined football teams around Europe in showing their support for refugees.
They donated €1million to the relief fund, whilst many clubs around Europe donated a percentage of their gate receipts to the cause.
