Barcelona, May 19, 2025 – During a nostalgic visit to his former school in Brazil, FC Barcelona’s famous football player, Raphinha, experienced a moment that not only marked him deeply but also inspired an entire country. As he walked through the corridors full of memories, she came across a familiar figure: Mr. John, the caretaker who took care of the school for decades. What surprised Raphinha was finding that at age 79, Mr. John was still working hard to support his family.
“When I was a student, Mr. John was always there for us, with a smile and words of encouragement. Seeing him still working at his age broke my heart,” Raphinha shared in a later interview. Mr. John, father of three children and grandfather of seven, explained that he could not retire due to his family’s financial difficulties. His words played deeply the soccer player, and he decided to act immediately.
Without hesitation, Raphinha arranged a significant donation to ensure that Mr. John could retire with dignity. But that’s not all: the player also created a foundation in honor of Mr. John to support older workers in Brazil, offering scholarships and financial assistance. “I want his legacy to continue alive and others like him don’t have to work so late in his life,” said Raphinha.
The news of this noble gesture spread quickly, leaving the school and the whole country speechless. The school community organized an event to honor Mr. John, where Raphinha surprised him with a sincere hug that thrilled everyone present. “Thanks to the little raphinha, I can spend my days with my family and live without worry,” said Mr. John, with tears in his eyes.
This act of generosity not only changed Mr. John’s life, but also served as a reminder of the impact that a kindness gesture can have. Raphinha, with her humility and empathy, showed that football is not only goals, but also hearts.
