Álex Baena pays tribute to María Caamaño after 13-year-old dies of cancer | OneFootball

Álex Baena has paid a heartfelt tribute after the death of 13-year-old María Caamaño, a symbol of the fight against childhood cancer.

Her family said in a post that she died on Thursday morning, having battled Ewing sarcoma since being diagnosed at seven.

The Salamanca teenager, known as the 'Princesa Futbolera Guerrera', became widely recognised after lifting the Euro trophy at Cibeles during Spain’s 2024 celebrations.

The former Villarreal player had built a close bond with her through years of messages and photos. He helped María and her sister join the Madrid celebrations, producing unforgettable images of her singing with the players and raising the trophy.

On Instagram, Baena thanked life for crossing their paths and urged her to keep smiling, adding that those left behind would continue fighting in her name.

In 2024 Caamaño received the Castilla y León Human and Social Values Award for La Sonrisa de María, her charity supporting cancer research, and for her kindness, generosity, strength and empathy.

Condolences followed from Atlético de Madrid and the Spain men’s national team, which also shared a video recalling her Euro 2024 celebration.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo