FC Barcelona midfielder Gavi has donated 1.3 million euros to build housing for homeless people in his hometown of Los Palacios y Villafranca.
The 22-year-old Spanish international released the funds in late August to support vulnerable residents in the municipality, located south of Seville in Andalusia. Spanish newspaper La Razón reported that the donation will fund a modern complex featuring approximately 150 apartments and 300 beds for the town of around 40,000 people.
Explaining his motivation for the donation, Gavi said he had seen too many people struggling to survive cold winter nights without a safe roof over their heads. He added that he had always believed it was his responsibility to act whenever he had the opportunity to help.
Support from local leadership
Despite leaving for Catalonia at the age of 11 to join Barcelona's youth academy, Gavi, whose full name is Pablo Gavira, has maintained close ties to his hometown and is known locally for his modest lifestyle.
Juan Manuel Valle, the mayor of Los Palacios y Villafranca, told Spanish newspaper El Mundo that the midfielder filled the town with pride. Valle stated that meeting the player in person provided double the joy because Gavi retained impressive humility and simplicity, adding that fame had not gone to his head at all.
Los Palacios y Villafranca has produced three world champion footballers despite its modest size. In addition to Gavi, midfielder Fabián Ruiz, who was also crowned a world champion with Spain this summer, and Jesús Navas, a World Cup winner in 2010, both hail from the town. Local authorities have honored the trio by constructing a monument in their memory and naming local football pitches after them.
FIFA sanction and upcoming season
The charitable gesture follows a disciplinary sanction issued against Gavi by governing body FIFA on Friday, August 21. The midfielder received a one-match suspension and a fine of 27,000 euros after being involved in a fight following Spain's 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the World Cup final.
The FIFA suspension will not delay Gavi's return to domestic league action for Barcelona. He is scheduled to begin his sixth professional season with the club on Sunday at 9:30 p.m. when Barcelona face Elche away from home in their opening match of the La Liga season.
