Kate and Gerry McCann have released a heartfelt New Year message, expressing their hopes that 2026 will bring a vital breakthrough in the ongoing search for their missing daughter, Madeleine McCann. Madeleine vanished in May 2007 during a family holiday in Praia da Luz, Portugal, when she was just three years old. She disappeared from a holiday apartment while her parents dined nearby, sparking a global investigation that has now spanned nearly two decades.
Despite thousands of leads, Madeleine’s whereabouts remain unknown. In 2020, German citizen Christian Brueckner was named as a key suspect by prosecutors. However, no formal charges have been brought against him in connection with Madeleine’s disappearance. Brueckner, who has prior convictions for sexual offenses, was released from a prison sentence in Germany in September 2024 and remains under electronic monitoring.
In their message on the Official Find Madeleine Campaign Facebook page, the McCanns expressed deep gratitude to supporters and law enforcement for their continued efforts. They wrote, “As 2025 draws to a close, we want to thank everyone who has supported us in any way over the past year and for continuing to hope for positive news of Madeleine.”
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The couple also announced a partnership with the Missing People charity to support Safecall, a free and confidential service aiding vulnerable young people at risk of exploitation or those who have left or are contemplating leaving home or care.
The most recent search effort took place in June 2025, involving German and Portuguese authorities conducting excavations in rural areas linked to the case. Despite days of digging and forensic analysis, no significant evidence was uncovered.
Closing their statement, the McCanns conveyed their heartfelt wishes for peace and progress: “With our best wishes for a peaceful and positive new year and may 2026 bring us the breakthrough we long for. Kate, Gerry, and family.”