An emotional Jack Grealish dedicated his first Premier League goal in almost 16 months to his younger brother Keelan on the 25th anniversary of his death.
On his first league start since December, the Manchester City midfielder scored a second-minute opener in the 2-0 win against Leicester at Etihad Stadium.
As he celebrated, it seemed Grealish was simply happy at marking a rare start with an even rarer league goal, ending a long wait since the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace on 16 December 2023.
It was only after the final whistle he revealed the poignant family anniversary he was marking.
Grealish was four years of age when brother Keelan died in April 2000, aged just nine months due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
The England midfielder spoke about the anniversary of Keelan’s death when talking to Sport after the game.
“My little brother passed away 25 years ago today,” he said. “This day is hard on the family.
“My mum and dad were here, so to score and to win was brilliant.”
Grealish later paid a tribute on Instagram, external, writing: “With me always especially this day … that was for you Keelan.”
City manager Pep Guardiola said he was unaware of the anniversary but paid tribute to Grealish’s compassionate nature. The 29-year-old has a sister, Holly, 21, who has cerebral palsy.
“Jack is an incredible human being,” said Guardiola. “He is incredibly generous.
“I didn’t know that and I can’t imagine how tough it can be with mum and dad and sister. It is good they remember him, this day. I am sure they remember him every single day. But it is good to score.”
