Steven Gerrard to Become a Grandfather at 45 as Daughter Lilly-Ella Announces Pregnancy

Steven Gerrard, the legendary former Liverpool captain and current Al-Ettifaq manager, will embrace a new chapter in his life—becoming a grandfather.

Gerrard’s eldest daughter, Lilly-Ella, recently revealed that she is expecting her first child with Lee Byrne, the son of Irish criminal Liam Byrne, who is currently serving a prison sentence.

A Family Milestone

Lilly-Ella, 20, announced the news via Instagram, sharing a picture of her positive pregnancy test alongside the caption: “Our little secret. The best news… mini us is on the way.” Her partner, Lee Byrne, expressed his joy over the announcement, having previously described Lilly as “the best person he’s ever met.”

The couple has been together for over two years, first making headlines when they were spotted holidaying in Ibiza in 2022. Despite Lee’s connection to his father’s notorious criminal past, he himself has no involvement in illegal activities and is carving out a life with Lilly, focused on their growing family.

Liam Byrne’s Criminal Background

Lee’s father, Liam Byrne, was sentenced to five years in prison in October 2024 for conspiracy to import firearms. Arrested in Spain in 2023, Byrne pleaded guilty to the charges, with his sentence reduced due to time already served in custody. While his father’s past continues to cast a shadow, Lee has kept himself far removed from such activities, focusing instead on building a future with Lilly.

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Gerrard’s Family Life in the Spotlight

Meanwhile, the Gerrard family, now based in Bahrain following Steven’s appointment as head coach at Al-Ettifaq, has remained in the public eye over the years. Steven and his wife, Alex Curran, share four children: Lilly, Lexie (18), Lourdes (13), and Leo (8). Their eldest child’s pregnancy marks a significant milestone for the family, with Gerrard set to become a grandfather at the age of 45.

Gerrard’s Managerial Challenges

While personal celebrations are on the horizon, Steven Gerrard faces professional challenges at Al-Ettifaq. After securing a sixth-place finish in his first season, the team’s poor form in the 2024-25 campaign has left them sitting in 11th place, just six points above the relegation zone.

In January, Gerrard signed a two-year contract extension with Al-Ettifaq, committing to the club until 2027. However, his position remains under scrutiny, with results falling short of expectations.

Coaching Changes at Al-Ettifaq

Amid growing pressure, Gerrard has made significant changes to his coaching staff. The departures of Dean Holden and Mark Allen paved the way for Michael Beale’s return to his setup. Gerrard praised Beale’s appointment, saying, “Michael is a super coach. We spent years together previously, and it’s great to have him back with me. Now we need some time to develop and improve.”

Balancing Personal and Professional Life

As Gerrard navigates the challenges of managing Al-Ettifaq, his family continues to be a source of strength and inspiration. Furthermore, the impending arrival of his first grandchild adds a layer of excitement to his personal life, even as he works to steer his team away from the relegation zone.

The Road Ahead

For Gerrard, the coming months will be pivotal both on and off the pitch. While his managerial tenure at Al-Ettifaq faces increasing scrutiny, the joy of becoming a grandfather offers a reminder of the enduring bonds of family.

As Lilly-Ella and Lee prepare to welcome their child, the Gerrard family is set to embrace a new generation. Finally, for Steven Gerrard, already a footballing icon, this next chapter will undoubtedly be one of his most cherished roles yet.