An England supporter who sparked an international search operation after disappearing on his way to the 2026 World Cup has been found safe in a Barcelona pub after spending 10 days completely unaware that his family, police and international authorities were trying to locate him.
Michael Hewitt, a 65-year-old Leeds United fan affectionately known as “Little Mick”, had been travelling to the United States to watch England's World Cup campaign when his journey took an unexpected turn during a stopover in Spain.
What began as a missing person investigation involving the British authorities and Interpol ultimately ended with Hewitt enjoying football in Barcelona bars after losing his mobile phone.
How did Michael Hewitt go missing?
Hewitt left the United Kingdom on 20 June and travelled to Barcelona, where he was due to catch a connecting flight to Boston for England's group-stage match against Ghana.
However, shortly after arriving in the Spanish city, he lost his mobile phone, which contained his flight details, travel documents and contact information for family members. Without access to the device, he was unable to retrieve his onward travel plans or contact those back home.
His family last heard from him on 21 June before communication suddenly stopped, and as concern grew, relatives contacted the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, while Interpol also became involved in efforts to establish his whereabouts.
Appeals quickly spread across social media as fears mounted that something more serious may have happened.
What his family did not realise was that Hewitt had decided to remain in Barcelona after missing his onward flight.
Still carrying his passport and with access to money, he simply stayed in the city, watching England's World Cup matches from local pubs while remaining completely unaware of the international search taking place in his name.
How was the missing supporter finally found?
After 10 days, British officials managed to trace Hewitt through card transactions linked to his hotel in Barcelona before making contact and informing him that his disappearance had triggered widespread concern.
According to his brother Gary, Hewitt never considered contacting the British Embassy because he still had his passport and money, believing officials would have little reason to assist him.
Without internet access, he also had no idea that missing person appeals had been shared extensively online.
The reunion brought relief to his family, who described the outcome as the “embarrassingly simple but happy ending” they had hoped for after days of uncertainty.
Gary also thanked everyone involved in helping locate his brother, from members of the public to the authorities who assisted with the search.
FGG says: Another dramatic World Cup story
Football tournaments have produced plenty of extraordinary supporter stories over the years, but few have matched this one.
While the ending is undoubtedly heartwarming, it also highlights how quickly travel plans can unravel when essential documents and communication are stored on a single device.
Fortunately for Michael Hewitt and his family, the story ended with nothing more dramatic than a few extra days spent watching the World Cup in a Barcelona pub.