Nearly two decades after 3-year-old Madeleine McCann disappeared from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, the investigation remains open — with authorities still working to establish what happened to the British child.

Madeleine disappeared on May 3, 2007, while staying with her family. She was three years old at the time, and her disappearance triggered one of the most extensive missing-child investigations in Europe.

THE CASE HAS NEVER BEEN CLOSED

Over the years, investigators in Britain, Portugal and Germany have pursued numerous leads and carried out repeated searches.

In June 2025, German and Portuguese investigators conducted a major three-day search near Praia da Luz, examining roughly 120 acres of land that included scrubland and abandoned structures. No publicly announced major breakthrough resulted from that operation.

CHRISTIAN BRÜCKNER REMAINS A KEY SUSPECT

German authorities identified Christian Brückner as a suspect in 2020, and Portuguese authorities formally named him an arguido in 2022.

Brückner has never been charged in connection with Madeleine’s disappearance and has repeatedly denied involvement. The Metropolitan Police also continue to investigate the case through Operation Grange.

In September 2026, Brückner spoke publicly about his movements on the night Madeleine disappeared, saying he had been close to the Praia da Luz resort. He continued to deny any connection to Madeleine’s disappearance.

THE SEARCH FOR ANSWERS CONTINUES

The case has now stretched across almost 20 years, but investigators have not publicly established what happened to Madeleine or brought charges against Brückner in connection with her disappearance.

For the McCann family, the search for answers has continued for years, while investigators remain focused on evidence that could establish what happened to their daughter.

Madeleine was only three years old when she vanished. Nearly two decades later, the central questions surrounding her disappearance remain unanswered.

Source: Metropolitan Police / German and Portuguese authorities / The Independent / The Guardian.