An England football fan who spent his life savings to take his grandfather to the FIFA World Cup has received an unexpected surprise after a company reimbursed the entire cost of the trip.
Jacob Allmendinger, 21, used the money he had been saving for a house deposit to take his 80-year-old grandfather, Geoff Golliker, on what he described as the trip of a lifetime across the United States and Mexico.
The pair have shared a love of football for years, with Allmendinger attending matches in his hometown of Hull alongside his grandfather since childhood.
Speaking during their trip, Allmendinger said the experience had been unforgettable.
"We've had an amazing trip so far. We're still in Mexico at the minute and fly tomorrow to Miami for the quarter-final. The Mexico game was a once-in-a-generation game to watch," he said.
The pair travelled to New York and Atlanta to watch England's matches against Panama and the Democratic Republic of Congo before witnessing England's dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
Their story gained widespread attention after Allmendinger shared their journey on social media, with many football fans praising his decision to prioritise making memories with his grandfather over buying a home.
Among those who saw the story was US-based cryptocurrency casino company Metawin, which offered to reimburse the cost of the trip if England defeated Panama by more than two goals.
Although England won 2-0, the company later revised its offer, promising to pay back the money if England beat the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Allmendinger admitted he initially doubted the promise.
"When we only won 2-0 they said they would still pay £10,000 if we won against DR Congo by any score. I didn't quite believe it, to be honest, until I looked at my bank and it was there. I was just in shock," he said.
The payment, worth around £10,000 (approximately US$13,000), effectively restored the money he had sacrificed for the trip.
England's next challenge is a World Cup quarter-final against Norway, who have impressed throughout the tournament after eliminating five-time champions Brazil.
Despite the difficult fixture, Allmendinger remains optimistic.
"The parallels to now and 1966, when we last beat Mexico in the World Cup and then went on to win the whole thing, kind of gets you giddy for the rest of the trip," he said.
Regardless of how England's World Cup campaign ends, Allmendinger said the experience with his grandfather has already exceeded expectations.
He plans to save the money he received until returning home, saying it could once again go towards buying a house.
"I'll put it in a savings account for now and see what happens after the next couple of months. I could buy a house, anything is possible," he said.
The heartwarming story has resonated with people around the world, with many sharing messages about the importance of spending time with loved ones.
"I think it just resonates with people. I've had people reach out who have lost their grandparents and how they wish they'd done something similar. It just makes us cherish this time more," Allmendinger said.
Reflecting on their close relationship, he added: "We get on like a house on fire. We're more best mates than grandad and grandson."