Star Mathieu van der Poel donates all of his earnings from prizes and sponsorships amounting to 10.9 million dollars to a center supporting the homeless in the Netherlands, with the goal of financing the construction of 150 apartments with 300 beds… He shared: “As a child, I witnessed the effects of homelessness and I know what it feels like. If I have the means to help, I will. No one should have to sleep on the street….

In a remarkable act of generosity that has touched hearts around the world, cycling superstar Mathieu van der Poel has announced that he is donating all of his recent earnings — including prize money and sponsorship income totaling an astonishing 10.9 million dollars — to a center dedicated to helping the homeless in the Netherlands. The funds will be used to finance the construction of 150 apartments providing 300 beds, offering shelter and stability to those who need it most.

The Dutch champion, known for his dominance across multiple cycling disciplines, said that this gesture comes from a deeply personal place. “As a child, I witnessed the effects of homelessness and I know what it feels like,” van der Poel shared emotionally. “If I have the means to help, I will. No one should have to sleep on the street.” His words struck a chord with fans and fellow athletes, who praised his compassion and social awareness beyond his achievements in sport.

Sources close to the project revealed that the initiative will be carried out in collaboration with several Dutch charities and local municipalities. The goal is not only to provide temporary housing but to create a long-term support system — including access to education, job programs, and mental health resources — to help individuals rebuild their lives. The new facility, which will bear van der Poel’s name, is expected to begin construction early next year.

Van der Poel’s donation represents one of the largest individual charitable contributions ever made by a professional cyclist. It also highlights a growing sense of responsibility among top athletes who are using their platforms and financial success to drive real social change. In recent years, van der Poel has quietly supported several community initiatives, but this latest move stands out for both its scale and its sincerity.

Fans and fellow riders flooded social media with messages of admiration, calling the gesture “inspiring,” “humbling,” and “a true example of leadership.” Even rival riders praised van der Poel, describing him as “a champion in every sense of the word.” His team, Alpecin–Deceuninck, released a statement expressing pride in their rider’s decision, noting that his actions reflect the values of compassion and integrity that the team strives to uphold.

While van der Poel’s career continues to reach new heights on the bike, this act of kindness shows that his sense of purpose goes far beyond the finish line. In a world where fame and fortune can easily overshadow empathy, his decision to give back to those most in need serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can make.

“I’ve been blessed with opportunities and success,” van der Poel said. “But I never want to forget where I came from or the people who struggle every day. Everyone deserves a safe place to sleep — that’s something we should all believe in.”

With this extraordinary donation, Mathieu van der Poel has once again proven that true greatness isn’t just measured by medals or victories, but by the difference one makes in the lives of others.