A Jordanian soccer player who competes in a special‑needs league has become the focus of an international search after disappearing from a tournament in Texas.
Rabe'e Ata Juma'a Alqaq, a 23‑year‑old athlete with cerebral palsy, was in Houston for the Genuine Cup, a competition that brings together more than 1,000 participants from 53 countries.
The event, which showcases athletes with intellectual disabilities and autism, was in its final stages when Alqaq left his lodging around midnight on Saturday, heading out for a brief walk.
He never returned, prompting organizers to alert authorities, and a massive search effort was launched across state lines.
A puzzling odyssey
After a 1,000‑mile journey that remains unexplained, the player was located in the Chicago suburbs, safe but bewildered, and was subsequently escorted back to Houston.
Rice University, which had been in contact with the athlete’s family, confirmed his re‑entry to the team’s training camp on Wednesday, but offered no details about the circumstances that led to his odyssey.
Investigators say the reasons behind his sudden trek across the heartland are still unknown, leaving a trail of questions that linger despite the happy reunion.