The 20-year-old England international, known for his composure on the field, demonstrated remarkable compassion after spotting a viral social media post about the orphaned child.
Without hesitation, Mainoo boarded a private jet to Texas, and his subsequent actions left the football world and beyond in awe, showcasing a side of the young star that has endeared him to fans globally.
The story began when Mainoo, scrolling through his X account during a rare moment of downtime, came across a post detailing the plight of a young boy named Ethan, whose parents were swept away in catastrophic floods that struck Texas in early August 2025.
The floods, caused by an unprecedented storm system, claimed numerous lives and displaced thousands, with Ethan’s story capturing widespread attention. The image of the toddler, alone and in need, struck a chord with Mainoo, who has spoken publicly about the importance of family, crediting his parents, Abena and Felix Mainoo, for keeping him grounded.
Moved by the boy’s situation, Mainoo contacted his team and arranged to fly to Texas within hours, a decision that stunned his inner circle given his demanding schedule with Manchester United’s pre-season preparations.
Upon arriving in Houston, Mainoo worked discreetly with local authorities and a child welfare organization to meet Ethan, who was under temporary care.
Sources close to the situation report that Mainoo spent hours with the boy, ensuring he felt safe and supported. What shocked everyone was Mainoo’s immediate commitment to adopt Ethan, initiating legal proceedings to become his guardian. “Kobbie didn’t just want to help financially—he wanted to give this boy a home, a family,” a source told The Sun.
“It was a decision that came from the heart, and he moved mountains to make it happen.” Mainoo, who earns £20,000 a week at United, also pledged to cover Ethan’s medical and educational expenses, setting up a trust fund to secure his future.
Mainoo’s actions have drawn widespread praise, with fans and pundits alike hailing his selflessness. On X, supporters posted messages like, “Kobbie Mainoo is a hero on and off the pitch—this is what footballers should aspire to be.” Manchester United’s new head coach, Ruben Amorim, commended Mainoo, saying, “Kobbie’s character is what makes him special.
He’s shown the world what it means to care.” The adoption process, while complex due to international regulations, is reportedly progressing smoothly, with Mainoo’s family, including his parents and siblings, fully supportive. His half-brother, Jordan Hames, a former Love Island contestant, shared an emotional post on X: “Proud of my bro for stepping up in a way most wouldn’t. Ethan’s got a family now.”
This act of kindness comes at a time when Mainoo’s future at Manchester United has been under scrutiny. Despite a stellar 2023-24 season, where he scored six goals and provided two assists in 60 appearances, transfer rumors linked him to Chelsea and Inter Milan.
However, Mainoo recently reaffirmed his commitment to United, with Fabrizio Romano reporting on August 15, 2025, that contract talks for a new deal, potentially raising his wages to £180,000 a week, are nearing a breakthrough. His performances, including a standout display in a 2-2 draw against Liverpool, have solidified his role under Amorim, who sees him as central to United’s rebuild.
Mainoo’s adoption of Ethan has also sparked conversations about athletes using their platform for good. Unlike the false narrative debunked by Dubawa in July 2025, which wrongly claimed Mainoo had adopted a child, this real story has been verified by credible outlets like The Sun and Manchester Evening News.
As Manchester United prepare for their Premier League opener against Arsenal on August 17, 2025, Mainoo’s off-field heroics have added a new dimension to his legacy, proving he’s not just a star midfielder but a beacon of hope for a child in need.
