Liam Payne, the former One Direction star, has sadly passed away at the age of 31. A devoted football fan, he was particularly fond of West Bromwich Albion and made memorable appearances in the sport, including at Soccer Aid, where he playfully channeled Jack Grealish.
Liam’s passion for football shone through during his time with the Soccer Aid England team, where he sported Grealish’s iconic hairstyle in hopes of emulating his skills. His participation helped raise over £14 million for UNICEF UK, a cause he deeply cared about.
Known for his fun-loving personality, Liam brought humor to the pitch, joking in a Birmingham accent about his look while sharing laughs with fans. Although his time on the field was brief—lasting just half an hour—he faced off against football legends and showcased his enthusiasm for the game.
In the wake of his passing, Jack Grealish expressed his shock on Instagram, urging everyone to be kinder to one another. West Bromwich Albion also shared their sorrow, remembering Liam as a true fan and talented musician.
Liam often spoke about his love for the Baggies, admitting that he wished he could attend more games. His spirit will be missed by fans and friends alike.