Meet the Heroes: Ibrahima Diack and Magatte N’Diaye, Spain’s Adopted Sons

The men were named “Adopted Sons of the City” during a ceremony on Monday, February 24, 2025. City officials and residents attended the ceremony, which hailed the men's actions as an emblem of courage and moral integrity. 

The attack occurred in July 2021 outside a nightclub in A Coruña, when Samuel Luiz, a 24-year-old Brazilian man, was brutally beaten by a group of assailants who hurled homophobic slurs. Bystanders recorded the incident on their phones, but only Diack and N’Diaye intervened physically to stop the violence. 

Despite being undocumented migrants at the time—working informal jobs and risking deportation—they prioritized saving Luiz’s life. Tragically, Luiz succumbed to his injuries in the hospital, sparking nationwide protests condemning homophobia.  

At Monday’s ceremony, Mayor Inés Rey praised the men’s “pure heroism,” emphasizing the moral lessons of their actions. “That two undocumented migrants were the only ones who risked themselves to help a victim targeted by a hateful mob leaves much to reflect on,” Rey stated. The pair received plaques and a standing ovation from attendees, including council members like Rosalía López, who shared footage of the event on social media with the caption: “Thank you for setting an example, despite having so much to lose.”  

Diack and N’Diaye, now granted legal residency and work permits in Spain, humbly rejected the “hero” label. “We did what we had to do,” N’Diaye said. Diack added, “My family taught me respect, education, and values—things more precious than money.”  

The duo’s testimonies proved pivotal in the November 2023 trial, where four men were convicted of Luiz’s murder. The primary assailant received a 24-year sentence, with the court confirming homophobic intent. The case became a landmark moment for Spain’s LGBTQ+ community, prompting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to condemn the attack and vow stronger protections.  

The recognition of Diack and N’Diaye highlights the contributions of migrants in Spain, where tens of thousands arrive annually via perilous routes from West Africa. 

Mayor Rey’s acknowledgment of their courage despite their vulnerable status challenges stereotypes about undocumented migrants. “Their actions remind us that humanity transcends borders,” she noted.  

The honor bestowed on Diack and N’Diaye commemorates their bravery and underscores the power of individual conscience in the face of hatred. As A Coruña celebrates their moral fortitude, their story resonates as a call to action against homophobia and a testament to the dignity of migrants worldwide.