Six-year-old Salvador, who was born with a rare skin condition, fulfilled his dream on Monday by visiting the Estádio da Luz to watch his favourite football team Benfica play.
The young boy was invited onto the pitch before Benfica's home match against Estoril, which the home team won 2-1. Dressed in a full Benfica kit, Salvador walked out holding hands with player Rafa and greeted the mascot before receiving applause from players and supporters throughout the stadium.
Salvador watched the rest of the game from the stands alongside his parents. Following the fixture, Benfica published photos of his visit on the club's social media accounts, welcoming the boy and stating that the Estádio da Luz was his home.
Dream visit at Estádio da Luz
Salvador's wish to visit the stadium was first revealed during a broadcast of the Investigação CM program on Portuguese television channel CMTV. The six-year-old has lived with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa since birth, a rare and incurable genetic condition that leaves him with constant pain, open wounds, and bandages covering his entire body.
Epidermolysis bullosa is a rare inherited condition that causes skin to become fragile and blister easily. Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa is one of its most severe forms, requiring extensive daily wound care and protective dressings.
Appeal for medical treatment
As reported by Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manhã, a treatment gel named Vyjuvek has been developed to help heal open wounds and improve quality of life for individuals with the condition. However, the treatment is not yet available in Portugal and costs two million euros per year.
The boy's mother, Joana Paiva, spoke to Correio da Manhã to raise awareness of his condition and appeal to the Portuguese government for assistance in securing access to the gel. She described the treatment as a potential light at the end of the tunnel that could provide her son with relief, noting that the medication is already accessible in other countries.
Benfica match details
The fixture on Monday marked Benfica's 2-1 victory over Estoril at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon. The match also featured the club debut of midfielder João Palhinha.
Benfica, based in Lisbon, is one of Portugal's major football clubs, playing its home matches at the Estádio da Luz. Estoril Praia is also a club competing in Portugal's top division.
