Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, at the age of 45, has embraced a new role that has left fans around the world emotional: grandfather. His eldest daughter, Lilly-Ella Gerrard, 21, recently welcomed her first child, a baby girl, with her partner, Lee Byrne. The news alone was enough to spark joy among supporters, but it’s the captured moment of Gerrard’s first encounter with his granddaughter, filmed by Lilly-Ella, that has sent the internet into a tearful frenzy. One look at the former footballer’s face says more than words ever could, revealing a side of the Anfield icon rarely seen on the pitch.
The heartwarming scene unfolded shortly after Lilly-Ella announced the birth on Instagram, sharing a black-and-white photo of Lee carrying their newborn in a car seat as they left the hospital. Captioned simply “@leebyrne8 2 becomes 3” with a pink heart and baby emoji, the post confirmed the arrival of the Gerrard family’s newest member. But it was the subsequent video, posted by Lilly-Ella, that stole the show.
In it, Gerrard, known for his steely determination during his playing days, is visibly moved as he cradles his granddaughter. His expression—tender, awestruck, and brimming with love—has resonated deeply with fans, many of whom have taken to social media to express their emotions.
Gerrard, who spent 17 years as Liverpool’s heartbeat, leading the club to iconic triumphs like the 2005 Champions League, is no stranger to high-stakes moments. Yet, this personal milestone has revealed a softer side of the man who once lifted trophies with unyielding resolve. The video shows him gazing at the baby, his eyes glistening, as he murmurs something inaudible but clearly heartfelt.
Fans have speculated about what he said, but as Lilly-Ella’s caption suggests, his look alone conveys the depth of his feelings. Comments on social media range from “Stevie G as a grandad is too much for my heart” to “That’s the face of a man who’s found a new kind of love.”
Lilly-Ella, a social media influencer with over 220,000 Instagram followers, has been sharing glimpses of her pregnancy journey since January, when she announced the news with a photo of two positive pregnancy tests and tiny baby shoes. Gerrard, then managing Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, commented, “We can’t wait.
Great news and congratulations. We love you.” His return to the UK earlier this year, following his departure from the Saudi club, coincided with Lilly-Ella’s preparations for motherhood, including her “nesting mode” posts showcasing baby essentials. The close-knit Gerrard family, including Steven’s wife Alex and their three other children—Lexie, 19, Lourdes, 13, and Lio, 7—has rallied around the new arrival, with Lilly-Ella’s sisters expressing excitement at becoming aunts.
The emotional weight of Gerrard’s reaction has struck a chord, perhaps because it humanizes a figure so often associated with superhuman feats on the football field. His career, marked by 710 appearances for Liverpool and 114 caps for England, was defined by moments of grit and glory.
Yet, this quiet, intimate moment with his granddaughter reveals a universal truth: even legends are moved by the simple joy of family. The video has sparked an outpouring of love from fans, who see in Gerrard’s expressiontesting vulnerability the same passion he once brought to Anfield.
For those in Liverpool or beyond, this moment is a reminder of Gerrard’s enduring connection to his fans. His legacy as a footballer is eternal, but this new chapter as a grandfather, captured in a single, soul-stirring look, has given the world a fresh reason to celebrate Steven Gerrard.