Kylian Mbappe has paid tribute to a young fan who passed after a long battle with a terminal illness , just days after fulfilling his dream to meet the Real Madrid star.
Lorenzo, a young French boy, drew the attention of his compatriot after making a heartfelt plea to meet the striker. His wish was granted, with Mbappe reportedly flying him out to the Madrid and inviting him to watch Los Blancos play at the Bernabeu.
The youngster was treated to a clash at the iconic stadium and was able to meet the players during his extraordinary trip.
Following Lorenzo’s passing on Wednesday night, Mbappe took to social media to pay tribute to the ‘brilliant’ and ‘inspirational’ boy he had the pleasure of meeting.
‘After a long fight that you fought with courage, you sadly passed away last night,’ he wrote on Instagram. ‘All my most sincere thoughts for your parents, who accompanied you with great dignity in this ordeal.
‘I had the honour of being able to spend a little time by your side and realise what a brilliant boy you were and an inspiration for all. You will never be forgotten and will always be loved.
Lorenzo, a young French football fan, sadly passed away on Wednesday night after a long battle with a terminal illness
Kylian Mbappe paid tribute to the youngster, who fulfilled his dream of meeting the Real Madrid star just days before his death
After a slow start to life in Madrid, Mbappe has begun to show his best form following his move from French giants PSG
‘May God bless you. Rest in peace my little one, Lorenzo. Your Friend Kylian.’
Lorenzo’s passing was announced by Real Madrid on Thursday in a club statement where the Spanish giants extended their condolences to his loved one.
‘Real Madrid C. F., its president and Board of Directors wish to extend their condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Lorenzo, who recently attended the Bernabeu to fulfil a lifelong dream: meeting Kylian Mbappé and the Real Madrid players,’ the statement began.
‘We will remember ‘Le petit Lorenzo’ with great affection and his memory will live on in our hearts. May he rest in peace.’
After his recent trip to the Bernabeu, Mbappe expressed his gratitude to the club for granting the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and hailed the ‘special’ Lorenzo.
‘Lorenzo is a special boy,’ said the Frenchman via Footboom. ‘In life, there are things more important than football, and I want to thank the club for allowing me to bring him to the game and meet all the players. It was an incredible moment for him, and I am very happy for that.’
