Manchester United star Diogo Dalot made a surprise visit to a homeless shelter in Manchester on Christmas Eve, where he helped serve food to those in need. The 25-year-old Portuguese defender, who joined the club for £19 million from Porto, arrived unannounced with his partner at Lifeshare, a local charity dedicated to supporting the homeless.
Dalot and his partner brought clothing and food donations, and they rolled up their sleeves to dish out hot meals to over 100 attendees at the shelter. Reflecting on the experience, Dalot stated, “I have lived in Manchester for over six years now, and I’m proud to call this city my home. Unfortunately, homelessness is on the rise; as a family, we want to raise awareness and help people wherever we can.”
He praised Lifeshare for its impactful work, saying, “The volunteers I met here today are truly inspirational; they are heroes. It was a pleasure to learn about their dedication, and I’m grateful to have spent time with them while playing a small part in delivering such vital support.”
Jahan Hussain, a trustee at Lifeshare, expressed gratitude for Dalot’s visit, noting the charity’s challenging year, including threats of closure during its 40th anniversary. “Support like this is literally life-saving,” he said. “Not long ago, we didn’t know if our much-needed Christmas Project would go ahead, so having a high-profile visit like this is amazing.”
Lifeshare’s annual Christmas Project, which runs from December 18 to December 22, opens its doors from 7 AM to 7 PM to anyone in need of shelter, food, and companionship—no questions asked. Guests not only receive hot meals but also benefit from hot showers and clean, dry clothing.
The charity coordinates additional services such as barbers, veterinarians, and opticians to provide haircuts, pet care, and eye health services during this special week. Dalot’s involvement highlights the importance of community support and the impact of individual efforts in addressing homelessness in Manchester.