Barcelona, May 19, 2025 – During a nostalgic visit to his former high school in Brazil, the famous FC Barcelona footballer, Raphinha, lived a moment that not only marked it deeply, but also inspired an entire country. When touring the halls full of memories, he found a family figure: Mr. John, the janitor who had cared for school for decades. What surprised Raphinha was to discover that, at 79, Mr. John still worked hard to keep 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 grandchildren, explained that he had not been able to retire due to the economic difficulties of his family. His words deeply touched the footballer, who decided to act immediately.
Without hesitation, Raphinha organized a significant donation to ensure that Mr. John could retire with dignity. But that was not all: the player also created a foundation in honor of Mr. John to support older workers in Brazil, offering scholarships and financial aid. “I want his living legacy and others like him do not have to work so late in life,” said Raphinha.
The news of this noble gesture spread rapidly, leaving school and the entire country without words. The school community organized an event to honor Mr. John, where Raphinha surprised him with an emotional hug that moved everyone present. “Thanks to Raphinha, I can spend my days with my family and live without worries,” said Mr. John, with tears in his eyes.
This act of generosity not only changed the life of Mr. John, but also served as a reminder of the impact that a kind of goodness can have. Raphinha, with his humility and empathy, has shown that football is not only about goals, but also hearts.
