Barcelona star Gavi has reportedly donated almost €1.3million to help build housing for homeless and vulnerable people in his hometown in Andalucia.

The 22-year-old Spain international is said to be funding the construction of a major new residential complex in Los Palacios y Villafranca, the Sevilla province town where he grew up.

According to La Razon, the money will go towards a modern development featuring 150 apartments with capacity for around 300 people, aimed at providing accommodation for some of the community’s most vulnerable residents.

The reported €1.3million contribution represents a remarkable gesture from a player who left his hometown as a youngster before going on to become one of Spanish football’s biggest stars.

Gavi, whose full name is Pablo Martin Paez Gavira, began his footballing journey with local side La Liara before spending time in the Real Betis academy.

He joined Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy aged 11 and made his first-team debut while still just 17.

But despite his meteoric rise, those who know him in Los Palacios have repeatedly spoken about his enduring connection to his roots.

Mayor Juan Manuel Valle previously praised the midfielder’s character, saying the town was doubly proud of him because of the person he had remained despite his success.

‘Gavi retains an overwhelming humility and simplicity. Fame hasn’t gone to his head at all,’ Valle said.

The mayor has also spoken about the particularly strong sense of identity among residents of Los Palacios.

Despite having a population of around 40,000, locals continue to refer to it affectionately as el pueblo – the village – reflecting what Valle described as a way of life built around closeness and community.

Gavi is far from the only footballing superstar to emerge from the municipality.

Los Palacios has produced an extraordinary trio of Spanish internationals in Gavi, Fabian Ruiz and Jesus Navas, all of whom have enjoyed major success with La Roja.

The reported housing donation comes amid a serious homelessness problem in Andalucia.

Figures cited by the Observatorio de Vivienda Asequible indicate that Andalucia has the highest level of homelessness among Spain’s autonomous communities, accounting for around 20% of the country’s homeless population.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.