The Pequeño Deseo and Real Madrid Foundations mark more than 20 years of collaboration with Hugo's wish

Hugo is an 11-year-old boy who suffers from cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma. His unbridled love of football and his admiration for Iker Casillas inspired him to become a goalkeeper, and he succeeded. He was goalkeeper for a team in Brunete when he learned the news of the disease. At that point, the most complicated game of his life kicked off, with long stays in hospital and a tough treatment. Of course, he always had the photograph of the Real Madrid legend on his bedside table as a support.

It's very hard for a boy who is used to training with his team and playing outdoors, to confront the loneliness of the room, the monotony of bed and the hospital walls. When the Pequeño Deseo Foundation got the call from the children's oncologist at the Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre in Madrid, they didn't hesitate to take on the task of making his biggest dream come true, with the priceless help of the Real Madrid Foundation, which they have been collaborating with for more than 20 years.

Visit to Real Madrid City
And so Casillas, who is currently assistant to the General Director of the Real Madrid Foundation, welcomed Hugo to Real Madrid City, during a visit organised by both foundations, in a similar way to those made by other children who have been helped by both foundations every season for more than 20 years, to fulfil their dreams. It was a total surprise for Hugo, who was almost speechless from excitement when he found out that the man standing next to him under the hood was none other than Iker Casillas: "Hugo, your wish has come true, hasn't it? They both walked around the sports facilities, watched the youth teams training and discussed the secrets of the sport. The boy received advice from the world champion. It was a unique moment that Hugo will certainly never forget. They signed his jersey, had photographs taken and wished him a speedy return to the pitch.

Treatment is going well and he's looking forward to getting back on the pitch. "Iker is the most important thing in the world for me and Real Madrid, a team that never gives up, that fights and fights. He's always there, he's a role model for me," says Hugo.

"He's a young boy who's full of enthusiasm for football. I was happy to be able to share a conversation with him and share his dream of becoming a footballer", said Iker after the experience of making this wish come true. It's such a small gesture that has such great importance for those who have experienced it, impacting on their wellbeing and that of their family.