The mystery that has kept millions of people around the world in suspense for almost two decades has just taken an unexpected and shocking turn. On June 10, Julia Wandelt, a 23-year-old Polish woman, set off media alarms when she claimed that the results of a DNA test showed a 69.23% match with Gerry McCann, the father of the missing Madeleine McCann.
The announcement has sparked an unprecedented media storm, rekindling hopes that Julia could actually be Madeleine McCann, the British girl who mysteriously disappeared in May 2007, aged just three, during a family holiday in Praia da Luz, Portugal.
A disappearance never forgotten
The McCann case became one of the most closely watched crime mysteries of the 21st century. Little Madeleine was last seen on May 3, 2007, in the rented apartment where she was staying with her parents and twin brothers. While Kate and Gerry McCann were dining with friends at a nearby restaurant, someone broke into the apartment and the girl disappeared without a trace.
For years, police investigations in Portugal and the United Kingdom unfolded amid contradictions, suspicions about the parents themselves, and the emergence of multiple conspiracy theories. Despite millions invested in international searches, Madeleine was never found.
The McCanns’ grief became a symbol of tireless struggle and hope. Now, 18 years later, the story seems to offer a surprising twist.
The emergence of Julia Wandelt
Julia Wandelt, originally from Wroclaw, Poland, came to public attention in 2023 when she claimed on social media that she believed she was Madeleine McCann. She claimed she bore “physical similarities” to the missing girl, including certain marks on her eyes and body scars.
At the time, her claims were met with skepticism, and both the McCann family and British police were cautious. However, Julia insisted for two years on obtaining genetic testing that would clear up any doubts.
Finally, in May 2025, he agreed to undergo a DNA test at a private European laboratory. The results—publicly revealed on June 10—revealed a partial match with Gerry McCann’s genetic profile, estimated at 69.23%.
A Figure That Divides Opinions
The percentage has generated conflicting interpretations. For some genetic experts, 69% is a significant sign of a biological relationship, although insufficient to establish direct paternity.
Dr. Manuel Serrano, a geneticist at the University of Barcelona, explained:
“A 69% match suggests a possible, but not definitive, link. In paternity tests, the expected rate is above 99.9% to confirm parentage. However, this figure is high enough to justify more exhaustive analysis.”
Social media, however, hasn’t stopped at the technical nuances. Within hours, the hashtag #MadeleineIsAlive became a global trending topic on X (formerly Twitter), accumulating millions of messages. Many users celebrated what they interpreted as “proof” that the young Polish woman is, indeed, the lost Madeleine.
McCann Family Reaction
So far, the McCanns have not issued a lengthy public statement, although a family spokesperson confirmed to the BBC that they “are aware of the results” and that their priority is to “manage the situation with caution and responsibility.”
Kate McCann, in a brief message posted on private social media, reportedly said that “each new piece of information generates a mixture of hope and fear,” according to sources close to her.
The British government has also been attentive. Scotland Yard announced that it is “assessing the validity of the evidence” and is keeping the line of investigation into Madeleine’s whereabouts open.
A global media phenomenon
Julia Wandelt’s story is not the first attempt by people claiming to be Madeleine McCann. Over the past 15 years, several young women have claimed to have some connection to the case, all of which have been ruled out after genetic testing.
What sets Julia apart is the partial DNA match that has puzzled both experts and the public. Media coverage has been massive: from British tabloids to international networks such as CNN and El País, all have devoted front-page space to what some are already calling “the turn of the century.”
In Poland, the local press has followed Julia’s every step, portraying her as a young woman with a turbulent past, marked by family instability and in search of identity.
Hope or new disappointment?
The debate now centers on two possible scenarios:
Identity confirmation. If more comprehensive studies prove that Julia is indeed Madeleine, it would close one of the darkest chapters in recent history. It would also be a reunion that would shock the entire world.
False positive. If the number turns out to be a statistical error or an irrelevant partial match, it could be yet another painful episode for the McCann family, who have already endured countless disappointments.
Experts emphasize that only a complete DNA analysis, comparing Julia’s genetic material with that of both McCann parents, will allow an irrefutable conclusion to be reached.
The social and psychological impact
Beyond the science, the case raises profound human dilemmas. What does it mean for Julia Wandelt to realize that she could be the most wanted child on the planet? How will the McCann family handle a hope that, if dashed, could be devastating?
Forensic psychologist Ana María López comments:
“Julia’s public exposure is overwhelming. If the results don’t confirm the relationship, the emotional damage could be enormous, both for her and for the McCanns. It is essential that it be handled sensitively.”
An Expected Outcome
For now, the entire world waits. While laboratories in London and Lisbon prepare new tests, every move is followed by millions of people.
The question remains: Is Madeleine McCann finally alive?
Whatever the answer, this unexpected turn of events has shown that, 18 years after her disappearance, Madeleine’s name remains synonymous with hope, mystery, and shared grief.