There have been so many incredible stories that have come out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and it still has nine more days before it's over. However, this particular story about a young man who chose to make a huge sacrifice in order to create unforgettable memories with his granddad, deserved the Feel-Good Friday treatment.
Honoring a legacy and making memories, is the subject of this week's Feel-Good Friday.
Jacob Allmendinger, a 21-year-old Briton, had saved up for a house deposit, but with the advent of the FIFA World Cup, decided he would rather spend time with his granddad Geoff Golliker in a way that is appropriately European: travel to America to watch the England vs. Panama game, then follow their team throughout the U.S. for all the matches.
An England fan has sacrificed the £10,000 he saved for a house deposit to spend it on taking his grandad on a dream World Cup trip. ❤️
— Ultras Clips (@ultras_clips) June 28, 2026
🗣️ The 21 year old said: "I can always make money back, I'm at the age where I can afford to miss out on a house for two or three years. But I… pic.twitter.com/MSNi2ZETYZ
An England fan has sacrificed the £10,000 he saved for a house deposit to spend it on taking his grandad on a dream World Cup trip. ❤️
🗣️ The 21 year old said: "I can always make money back, I'm at the age where I can afford to miss out on a house for two or three years. But I won’t ever get to go to the World Cup with my grandad again."
Allmendinger and his granddad regularly attend their team's games, and they traveled to Wembley Stadium in London to watch the team's promotion to The Premier League. Allmendinger said that football had become especially important to them both after the death of Golliker's wife.
"Ever since grandma died, football's been a massive part of our lives really," he said.
Geoff added: "Certainly, it really has been my saviour, she'd have absolutely loved this trip."
The trip for the two of them is estimated to be about $13,405 in the U.S. The journey has so far taken them from New York, to Atlanta, to Mexico City, to Miami. On Saturday, England plays Norway, and should England win, the two will head back to Atlanta for the semi-final game. If England makes the finals, Allmendinger and Golliker get to go back to New York to participate in that match before returning to England.
Wouldn't that be exciting!
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Allmendinger has no regrets about his decision to forgo a house to spend quality time with his granddad.
"The choice was between this or a house deposit and I don't regret choosing it at all. You can make the money back, but memories are forever," Jacob said.
Mr Golliker said he did not hesitate when his grandson invited him: "I'm getting more excited each day… it was an instant yes."
What a sweet testament to the bonds of this family, and the honor this young man gives to his elders. And he's only 21?! Many GenZers are still trying to find their footing, or are embracing radical and destructive ideas. Allmendinger is clearly a grounded, hard-working man who is frugal to boot. How else would he able to save up that much money at such a young age? But even more profound, Allmendinger embodies a wisdom beyond his years. Instead of looking for temporary thrills or living for what's in front of his face, he recognized an opportunity to have a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with his granddad. You cannot put a price tag on that.
The even more beautiful part of this story? Not only did Allmendinger and Golliker get their adventure, but Allmendinger received his money back!
Jacob Allmendinger, 21, from North Ferriby in East Yorkshire, said he was "amazed" when £10,000 landed in his bank account after England's victory over DR Congo in Atlanta.
He said: "I didn't quite believe it, to be honest, until I looked at my bank and it was there. I was just in shock."
The money was gifted to him by an online crypto casino after his story went viral.
Jacob's grandad, Geoff Golliker, 80, added: "We're getting recognised quite a bit. When we were in New York, a guy came up to us and said, 'are you the guys travelling round?' It was brilliant."
Jacob said he had been bombarded with positive messages.
"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," he said.
"It just makes us cherish this time more, really."
Like any good GenZer, Allmendinger is documenting their journey on social media. Here's a great Instagram Reel of the start of their adventure. You can follow the rest from there.
Editor's Note: At RedState, it's not all about politics and policy. We like to bring attention to what's good in the world, with columns like "Feel-Good Friday," "Start Your Weekend Right," and "Hoge's Heroes."
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