Michael Hewitt, 65, an English football fan, was found safe in a Barcelona bar after being reported missing for 10 days while en route to the 2026 World Cup in the US.
Hewitt's journey began with a flight from England, scheduled to transit in Barcelona, Spain, before continuing to Boston, US, to watch England play Ghana. He last contacted his family from Barcelona on 21/6.
The unexpected turn came when Hewitt lost his phone, which contained all his flight tickets and travel plans, leaving him stranded. Unable to recall any contact numbers, he did not call his family. He also decided against seeking help from the British Embassy, believing he would not receive assistance since he still possessed his money and passport.
For 10 days, Hewitt enjoyed watching football matches at various bars across Barcelona, completely disconnected from his phone and the internet. Meanwhile, his worried family contacted multiple authorities to initiate a search.
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Hewitt at a bar watching football. Photo: New York Post |
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and Interpol, the International Criminal Police Organization, launched an investigation into Hewitt's disappearance. His family also made public appeals for Spanish residents to share information to help locate him.
The British Embassy in Spain eventually located Hewitt's hotel through his credit card transactions. On 2/7, the embassy assisted him in contacting his family back in England, bringing an end to the frantic search.
"The search, which felt like a horror movie, had a happy ending", Gary, Hewitt's brother, shared after his return home.
Hewitt's humorous disappearance garnered significant public attention. Social media users weighed in, with Familychampion5 commenting, "Not everyone needs a smartphone, and the story shows how sometimes disappearing can bring a sense of freedom". User IronTemp added, "Perhaps he didn't want to be found".
The 2026 World Cup is currently in its knockout rounds. England advanced past the round of 16 after defeating DR Congo. In the quarter-finals, "The Three Lions" are set to face co-host Mexico in Mexico City at 7h on 6/7, Hanoi time.
Hoai Anh (Source: New York Post)
