Ukraine at war: “I must stay”
A car, a folding oven, a sleeping bag, a tent, a few pairs of slippers, a smile and a mobile phone are always within reach. On January 8, another bold journey began for Santiago Sánchez Cogedor, the Madrid native many are following. He has done this before, once by bike; in 2019 he traveled to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia to witness the Spanish Super Cup, a trip that strengthened his bond with Real Madrid. This time, he set out on foot from San Sebastián de los Reyes (Madrid) toward Doha, Qatar, with a goal to last a year. The motive is simple: Why not? It is the posture he has taken for years, a blend of curiosity and purpose.
The project had a humanitarian edge: to support a solidarity fund, to demonstrate what individual action can achieve, and to inspire others. After ten months on the road, his family, friends, and thousands of Instagram followers waited in suspense as no updates arrived after October 2. The Spanish Embassy in Iran began working to locate him, while the National Police contacted the Tehran consulate and the alert level rose. A family friend described the situation as highly complex and unpredictable, noting that communications are inconsistent and that official channels are actively seeking information. The last known message from Santi was from Koke, a close friend and spokesperson for the family.
One daily update from each location
The journey began in January and drew substantial media attention. The route covers thousands of kilometers, with some days featuring longer legs and others more compact. The path crosses Europe and Asia, visiting roughly a dozen countries. Every day includes a small gesture of support, a reminder that a walk can carry meaning beyond personal endurance.
“Collecting plastic is a way of thanking the places that have given him beauty,” he explains of his mindful collections, which accompany his travels. Each act of picking up litter carried a message of gratitude for the landscapes he visited.
Beyond the physical trek, there was a clear humanitarian thread. The journeys were never just about movement. They involved helping those in need, supporting the most vulnerable, planting trees that later bore fruit, aiding orphanages, and providing shelter where possible, all documented through personal accounts and social posts. The idea was to blend adventure with acts of service.
In March, he paused in Poland at the Ukrainian border. The decision was driven by a wish to help in the face of hardship. He shared a candid message about staying to assist families still trying to leave the conflict zone, reflecting an inner pull to stay where help is most needed at the moment. His post spoke of a moment when a stranger shared a sandwich and a blanket, a small gesture that echoed the larger purpose of his mission.
One WhatsApp message a day with a location
People saw him as bold yet thoughtful. He kept a routine of sharing his whereabouts with a small circle of friends and family. Daily updates created a sense of connection and accountability. The last message, sent on October 2 at 12:30 Spanish time, carried a quiet but powerful reminder of his ongoing journey.
“Things are hot in Iran”
The route was carefully planned, moving through Spain, France, Greece, and beyond. The only pivotal decision point came at the border with Iran, where he chose to enter Iran rather than Iraq or Israel. This choice reflected a weighing of risks and opportunities.
From the moment he traveled from Iraq toward Iran, the line of communication grew thinner. A friend recounted that Santi wrote about difficult conditions and the need for caution. The tone suggested concern but also a determination to press forward if possible. The last direct contact offered no definitive answers and underscored the uncertainty of a rapidly changing situation.
Images captured later depicted Santi in Penjwen, Iraq, with family members. The final publicly shared post showed him in Iraq, and the narrative described a move toward Iran that faced internet disruptions and government restrictions, complicating any attempt to reconnect. The absence of coverage on the ground led to cautious speculation about possible locations and motives for a pause in the journey.
Observers noted that if communication faltered, Santi would likely adjust course rather than abandon the mission. A friend suggested a plausible target area near the border, reflecting a belief that the adventure could pause rather than end abruptly.
I wouldn’t continue without confirming
As Santi traversed from the Iraqi Kurdistan border toward Qatar, the route remained in a state of limbo. The latest note indicated a starting point from Penjwen in Iraq, with a potential pivot toward Marivan in Iran, raising questions about whether the journey would extend beyond those borders. Friends emphasized that a sharp change in plans would only occur if communications showed no viable path forward.
They noted that the traveler was exceptionally pragmatic and thoughtful. If there was no signal, he would reassess and perhaps redirect toward a safer route or a more feasible destination. His strategic mindset reflected a mix of caution and resolve.
When the moment came, the family calculated possible routes and timelines. The process could take weeks, and early theories about moving ahead without consistent contact were tempered by a belief that a clear signal or change in circumstances would dictate the next steps.
“We wrote messages to people in Iran to check for coverage and responses”
There were attempts to reconnect through various contacts in Iran to verify whether networks were operational. The aim was to determine if any signal could be established, recognizing that some messages would take longer to reach their recipient. The absence of a reply did not necessarily indicate a lack of contact; it could reflect the realities of connectivity in the region.
“We think it’s on hold”
A close friend remarked that it seems unlikely the journey is progressing in the absence of contact. The person who has posted dozens of updates daily on social media remains largely silent, a sign that something has interrupted the usual flow of communication but not necessarily halted the mission permanently.
In the midst of uncertainty, there is concern for those still detained or affected by regional upheavals. The hope remains that everyone involved is safe and that the silence will eventually be broken, restoring the sense of community that has grown around the expedition.
Very prepared
The portrait of Santiago is of someone with wit, generosity, and courage. A veteran from the parachute brigade and a former boxing trainer, he left the army with a readiness that has traveled with him on every journey. He even sold his car to finance essential needs and continued onward with a big heart. His history spans many trips across thirty-plus countries, includingSouth America and North Africa, driven by the mission to prove that one can make a difference with minimal resources. The overarching message, as friends recount, is simple: move forward with a smile, learn new languages, and help others along the way.
As the latest chapter unfolded, supporters waited for news from Doha and looked toward an official accord at the Spanish Consulate in Doha or Tehran. The core dream stretched beyond personal achievement: a hopeful testament that compassion and perseverance can carry people across borders toward a better world.
They hold out for a sign of life from Santi, believing that everyone is doing what they can to locate him. In the end, the wish is for him to be welcomed in Qatar, and for the effort to continue in the spirit of solidarity that defined the journey from the start.