Former One Direction star Liam Payne, who tragically passed away at the age of 31, was not only known for his music career but also for his passion for football. Payne, a lifelong supporter of West Bromwich Albion, endeared himself to fans of both music and sports, making a memorable appearance at the annual Soccer Aid charity match where he channeled his inner Jack Grealish, the Manchester City and England footballer known for his distinctive style and skill.
Payne’s death was confirmed after a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, sending shockwaves through the music and entertainment world. Tributes from all corners of the globe have since poured in, with particular sadness coming from the football community, where Payne was widely known for his involvement in Soccer Aid and his devotion to the sport. He was a passionate fan of West Bromwich Albion, affectionately known as the Baggies, and frequently shared his love for the club with his fans.
Born in Wolverhampton in 1993, Payne grew up in a football-loving family and followed West Brom throughout his childhood. Despite his fame as a member of One Direction, one of the most successful boy bands of all time, Payne never lost touch with his roots. His support for West Brom and his enthusiasm for football was well known among his fanbase, and he took every opportunity to show his love for the game. In 2022, Payne had the opportunity to lace up his boots for the England team in Soccer Aid, a star-studded charity football match that raises money for UNICEF UK.
Payne’s appearance at Soccer Aid turned heads, particularly because of the humorous way he showed up to training. In an attempt to impersonate Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, Payne sported Grealish’s trademark hairstyle—curtains held back by a headband. His playful homage to the England winger caught the attention of both fans and the media. Speaking to Talksport ahead of the match, Payne even adopted a comical Birmingham accent, referencing the hit TV show *Peaky Blinders*. “Alright, I was a Brummie myself. Peaky Blinders, mate. Alright, bab!” Payne joked, adding a pair of sunglasses to complete the look.
While his Jack Grealish-inspired look may have made headlines, Payne’s skills on the pitch didn’t quite match up to his musical talents. He managed to last about 30 minutes on the field at Old Trafford, where the match was held, before being substituted. The game ended in a 4-2 defeat for the England team, marking their fifth consecutive loss in the charity event. Despite the result, Payne’s participation helped raise over £14 million for UNICEF UK, and he earned the admiration of fans for his good-natured involvement and dedication to the cause.
The Soccer Aid match saw Payne share the pitch with some of the biggest names in football and entertainment. On the opposing team were legends like Brazilian icon Roberto Carlos and Argentine star Hernan Crespo, while Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt captained the winning team. Though Payne may not have been the star of the match, his enthusiasm and willingness to support such a meaningful cause stood out. His appearance at Soccer Aid was a reminder that, despite his fame, Payne was just as much a fan of the game as anyone else, delighting in the opportunity to mix with his sporting heroes.
In the wake of Payne’s tragic death, many of those he admired and worked with have expressed their sadness and shock. Jack Grealish, the player Payne had humorously impersonated, took to Instagram to share his sorrow, writing that he was “shocked” by the news and urging people to “be nicer to each other in this world.” Grealish’s message resonated deeply with fans and served as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life.
Payne’s beloved football club, West Bromwich Albion, also released a statement mourning the loss of their famous fan. “We’re shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Baggies fan and musician, Liam Payne,” the club wrote. “Our thoughts are with Liam’s family, friends, and loved ones at this tragic time.” Payne’s connection to West Brom ran deep, and though his career took him to the farthest reaches of the globe, he always maintained his loyalty to the Baggies. In a 2022 interview during Soccer Aid, Payne had admitted that he didn’t get to attend as many games as he’d like due to his busy schedule, but his support for the club never wavered.
Liam Payne’s death is an immense loss, not only to his millions of fans around the world but also to those who knew him personally. His joyful, often humorous approach to life, as seen in moments like his Jack Grealish impersonation, endeared him to people far beyond the music industry. Though his time on the football pitch may have been brief, it was emblematic of his desire to bring joy and laughter to those around him, while also contributing to causes he cared about deeply.
As fans and loved ones come to terms with his sudden passing, Payne’s legacy will undoubtedly live on, both in the music he created and in the lives he touched. Whether through his iconic songs or his charitable work with events like Soccer Aid, Liam Payne will be remembered not just as a talented artist, but as a kind-hearted individual who brought joy to people in every facet of his life.