* Tadej Pogačar Donates Entire \$10.5 Million Bonus to Charities and Homeless Relief in Stunning Act of Generosity
*June 24, 2025 | Cycling World Celebrates Champion’s Humanitarian Heart*
In a world where headlines are too often dominated by controversy, conflict, or scandal, a shining example of compassion and generosity has emerged from the realm of elite sport. Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian cycling superstar and two-time Tour de France winner, has made global headlines — not for his dominance on the road, but for his unparalleled act of kindness off it.
Pogačar, just 26 years old, has donated his **entire \$10.5 million performance bonus**—separate from his salary and lucrative sponsorships—to **charitable organizations and homeless relief initiatives** across Europe and beyond.
### “There’s More to Life Than Winning Races”
In a heartfelt statement released through his team UAE Team Emirates, Pogačar shared his motivation:
> “Winning races is a dream come true, but there’s more to life than standing on podiums. I see the struggles people face—families living on the streets, children without food, and communities without hope. If I can make even a small difference, then it’s worth every penny.”
The funds are being distributed across a range of causes:
* €3 million to shelters and food banks in **Slovenia, Italy, and France**, where Pogačar has spent much of his professional life.
* €2.5 million to youth cycling and education programs aimed at supporting **underprivileged children**.
* €5 million earmarked for international nonprofits combating **homelessness, mental health issues**, and refugee support.
His manager, Mauro Gianetti, confirmed that the donation includes **no strings attached** and was a personal decision made “without hesitation or desire for attention.”
### A Cyclist with a Cause
Tadej Pogačar has long been known for his humility and quiet leadership in the peloton. But this unprecedented gesture elevates him to a new level of public admiration. With earnings climbing after his multiple Grand Tour victories and endorsement deals from global brands like Colnago, Oakley, and Red Bull, the cyclist could easily have indulged in luxury. Instead, he’s chosen to invest in humanity.
“He’s always been a guy who looks beyond cycling,” said fellow rider and rival Jonas Vingegaard. “This just shows the size of his heart.”
Cycling legend Eddy Merckx, who has mentored Pogačar in the past, called the act “the most beautiful win of his career.”
### Global Reactions Pour In
Across social media and cycling communities, fans, charities, and public figures alike have celebrated the announcement. The hashtag **#PogacarGivesBack** trended across Europe and North America within hours.
The CEO of *Médecins Sans Frontières*, one of the recipient organizations, expressed deep gratitude:
> “In a time where global crises are multiplying, acts like this restore hope. Pogačar’s generosity will help fund mobile clinics and emergency shelters in multiple conflict zones.”
The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees tweeted:
> “Tadej Pogačar is more than an athlete—he’s a beacon of human empathy. His donation will aid our programs for displaced families in Eastern Europe and Africa.”
### More Than a Champion
Pogačar’s cycling achievements are already legendary. With victories at the Tour de France (2020, 2021), Liège–Bastogne–Liège, Giro di Lombardia, and more recently a dominant performance at the 2025 Giro d’Italia, he’s arguably the most complete rider of his generation.
But this latest act has elevated him to hero status beyond the world of sport.
“He’s already the best cyclist of this generation,” said GCN commentator Dan Lloyd. “Now, he’s proving he may also be the best person.”
Pogačar, typically modest, brushed off the praise during a press event after the Slovenian national time trial championships:
> “What I did is nothing compared to what volunteers and social workers do every day. They are the true heroes.”
### Sparking a Movement?
Some are hoping this sets a trend among high-earning athletes.
Emma Holten, a Scandinavian human rights activist, noted:
> “Athletes influence culture. When someone of Pogačar’s stature shows that generosity is cooler than extravagance, young fans pay attention.”
Others are calling for professional sports organizations to match or multiply donations like these, using their global platforms and revenues to make broader social impacts.
A coalition of European cycling teams has already proposed a new “Athlete Impact Fund,” inspired by Pogačar’s move.
### Legacy Redefined
As the Tour de France approaches its grand départ in just a few weeks, fans will be watching not only to see if Pogačar adds another yellow jersey to his collection, but with a renewed appreciation for who he is off the bike.
In the twilight hours of a press briefing in Ljubljana, a reporter asked Pogačar what legacy he hopes to leave.
He smiled and said simply:
> “If someone finds a warm bed or a hot meal because I rode my bike a little faster, then that’s the greatest legacy I could ask for.”
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**In a world often marred by selfishness, Tadej Pogačar’s act of generosity shines like a beacon. He has not only redefined greatness in cycling—but perhaps, greatness in humanity.**
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