A father-of-two footballer who shared his cancer journey online has tragically died of the disease at the age of 28.
Xisco Quesada’s family announced his death on Wednesday (11 Feb).
Xisco was diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer on 5 June last year.
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The diagnosis came suddenly after tests revealed an inoperable tumour that had already spread to his liver.
Just hours after receiving the devastating news, Xisco proposed to the love of his life, Noelia Garcés, and they married shortly afterwards.
He documented his cancer journey online “without filters” – from gruelling chemotherapy sessions, hospital stays and relapses, to everyday moments of happiness with his young sons, Xavier and Mateo.
Xisco was a striker for several regional football clubs across his native Mallorca, as reported by NeedToKnow.
He played for several clubs, including CF Platges de Calvià and CD Ferriolense, with whom he reached the División de Honor youth league, and also captained ADC San Pedro.
His openness about his illness earned him hundreds of thousands of followers, and he also became an advocate, speaking out when some of his treatments were not publicly funded due to his short life expectancy.
He shared the highs and lows of his battle – and in August, he celebrated a scan that showed a reduction in his tumour and metastases.
But by the end of the year, new complications had emerged, and from November onwards, he remained in hospital.
In January, while visibly frail, he told his followers bravely: “As long as I’m alive, I keep going.”
His loved ones revealed that he spent his final months at a hospital in Pamplona, “where he fought bravely to the end, surrounded by his family’s love”.
Noelia wrote: “Papi… I don’t have the words for everything we shared – all the experiences, the adventures, and everything you taught me along the way.
“Your children love you beyond words – they adore you. They know, and always will, that they had the best dad in the world.
“The memories they carry will stay with them forever, and they’re the most beautiful ones they could ever have had.
“You’ll be with us always – never forget that. We love you now and forever. Your family.”
Xisco is also survived by his brother, Xavi.
Fellow Mallorcan and tennis legend Rafael Nadal paid tribute: “Sending lots of strength to the whole family – what a brave dad!”
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