An English football supporter who disappeared while traveling to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been found safe in Barcelona, Spain, bringing an end to an anxious 10-day international search.
The missing fan, Michael Hewitt, 65, had left the United Kingdom and stopped in Barcelona before continuing his journey to Boston, where he planned to watch England’s World Cup match against Ghana. However, shortly after arriving in Spain, he lost his mobile phone, which also contained his travel details and contact information.
Without access to his phone or the internet, Hewitt was unable to contact his family and did not know any phone numbers from memory. Because he still had his passport and money, he reportedly believed there was no reason to seek help from the British Embassy. Instead, he remained in Barcelona, spending his time watching World Cup matches in local bars while completely unaware that his disappearance had sparked an international search.
Back home, his family grew increasingly worried after all communication suddenly stopped. They sought assistance from the UK’s Foreign Office, while Interpol and Spanish authorities also became involved in efforts to locate him. The search gained widespread attention as relatives appealed to the public for information.
Authorities eventually traced Hewitt by reviewing his card payment records, which led them to the hotel where he was staying. Embassy officials then contacted him and reunited him with his relieved family.
His brother later described the outcome as the “simple but happy ending” the family had hoped for, expressing gratitude to everyone who helped during the search. Despite the panic caused by his disappearance, Hewitt was safe throughout the ordeal and had simply been stranded after losing the device that contained all of his travel information.
Nigerian Pidgin Summary
Title: The Matter As E Be
England football fan wey dey travel go America for 2026 World Cup disappear for 10 days don finally show. The 65-year-old man, Michael Hewitt, lose him phone for Barcelona, and the phone carry all him travel details plus family contacts. Since him still get passport and money, e no think say make e report to embassy. Instead, e just dey enjoy Barcelona and dey watch World Cup matches for bars, no know say him family don raise alarm and police plus Interpol dey find am. Na through him bank card payments officials take trace where e lodge before dem reconnect am with him family. Everybody don thank God say the story end well.
