Liam James Payne, former member of One Direction, suddenly and tragically passed away on Oct. 16, at the age of 31. The late singer was a known sports fan and philanthropist, bringing his love for the game everywhere he went.
Payne was a lifelong fan of West Bromwich Albion F.C., an EFL Championship team, whose stadium is only 20 minutes from where he grew up. From childhood, he stayed loyal to The Baggies, attending any game that he could. Even though his time was cut short, his dedication to his local team never wavered.
Liam left home to audition for the X-Factor UK as a solo artist before being brought into One Direction by the judges. The band as a whole finished in third place but won the hearts of millions all over the country. Very soon, this fandom was spread to the United States and the rest is history. 1D sat on top of the world’s charts, stages and landmarks. Liam worked at what he loved on and off the stage. This included staying true to his athletic roots (cross country) to give back.
When Liam’s only son, Bear, was born in 2017, West Brom celebrated by gifting the family a customized jersey with his name. It served as an urge to raise Bear to follow in his father’s faithful steps as a supporter of the team.
For two years, he played in the Soccer Aid for UNICEF charity event; he led the charge for England in 2022 and returned as a player in 2023. Despite having never played soccer, Payne made sure to do well. He trained at Billericay Town Football Club, based in Essex. The match is held annually in the summer and is the only mixed gender event sanctioned by The Football Association. Women were first included to the celebrity roster in 2019.
Both Soccer Aid and the West Brom Football Club released statements of condolences after Payne’s passing, reflecting his heart for the sport and helping his fellow humans whenever he could.
Other statements in the sports world include a tribute from Jack Grealish, a winger for Manchester City, saying, “RIP Liam Payne. Have to start [being] nicer to each other in this world man.”
The St. Louis Blues paid a musical tribute to Payne on Thursday night with the organist, Jeremy Boyer, playing an arrangement of “What Makes You Beautiful” for the arena. Boyer was shown on the video board for the moment and also shared the tribute on social media.
Dillon Danis, a member of Team Conor McGregor, and Kurt Angle are among other athletes to take to social media for their reactions to Liam’s untimely passing. Each loving remark has spoken to his care and intentionality towards the betterment of everyone around him.
It was evident that Payne lived on mission, taking time to volunteer at food banks and travel to underrepresented communities when he could. His legacy has rippled through music to sports and ultimately into the lives of millions.
Liam Payne will be missed greatly; may he rest in peace. We send our deepest condolences and wishes of peace to the Payne family, members of One Direction, friends and fans who are coping with this sudden loss.
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