Jack Grealish felt his life lift on the pitch for a moment longer than usual. He had just scored his first Premier League goal in over a year. But beneath the cheers lay an emotional undercurrent he could hardly keep inside. It was April 2, precisely 25 years to the day since his baby brother Keelan passed away.
He later told reporters, “My little brother passed away 25 years ago today. This day is always hard on the family. My mum and dad were here, so to score and to win was brilliant.” The scoreboard read Manchester City 2, Leicester City 0. Yet for Grealish, the significance of the afternoon stretched far beyond a much-needed victory or the end of a 16-month goal drought.
After his strike, he pointed to the sky, a simple yet powerful gesture. On social media that night, he posted, “With me always, especially this day… that was for you, Keelan.” Though the moment brought some tears, he spoke with a quiet composure that suggested just how deeply he felt this tribute.
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s manager, learned about the family’s anniversary only after the final whistle. “Jack is an incredible human being,” he said. “I can’t imagine how tough it can be for his mum, dad, and the rest of the family. He deserved this moment.”
A second goal arrived courtesy of Omar Marmoush, ensuring City stayed on course for a top-four finish. But all the headlines belonged to Grealish. He had endured criticism for his lack of goals since December 2023, yet he never forgot what truly mattered. “I’ve never been someone that scores constantly,” he once said. “I’d love to score more, but I offer more to the team than just that.”
A day of reflection for the Grealish family
No matter how many thousands of fans chant or ridicule his name, Grealish’s thoughts always return to Keelan on this date. Keelan died from sudden infant death syndrome at just nine months old. Jack was only four then, but he has carried that memory throughout his career. He has made similar tributes before, once as a young loanee at Notts County and again at Aston Villa. Each time, he points skyward, each time remembering the brother he never got to grow up with.
Grealish’s father, Kevin, has talked about the family’s heartbreak, saying, “You never ever get over losing a child… but we’re so grateful for Jack and his siblings.” That gratitude flows through each of Jack’s achievements. Even on the toughest days, he finds space for love and reflection. It was fitting that his parents were there on this particular occasion, watching as he ended an agonizing goal drought in the most poignant manner imaginable.
Leicester, now facing the grim reality of relegation, offered little resistance in the end. Marmoush’s second goal effectively sealed the result before halftime. Guardiola praised his side’s discipline, though he reserved a special appreciation for Grealish. “It’s good they remember Keelan,” he said. “I’m sure they do every single day.”
Grealish walked off to a standing ovation and wiped away a tear. There was joy in the air for City’s rise up the table, but something more profound was at play. Football can be about points and positions. Yet every so often, it’s about remembrance, too. Jack Grealish reminded everyone that behind each goal is a life story, and behind that story lies a person shaped by sorrow, resilience, and the unbreakable bond of family.
