Grealish dedicates goal to brother on anniversary of his passing

Jack Grealish dedicated his goal against Leicester City to his brother on the 25th anniversary of his death.

Grealish was four when his younger sibling, Keelan, died, aged nine months, in April 2000.

The England international opened the scoring for Manchester City in their 2-0 win against the Foxes at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday and posted on Instagram after the game.

He wrote: “With me always, especially this day. That was for you, Keelan.”

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A post shared by Jack Grealish (@jackgrealish)

City boss Pep Guardiola paid tribute to Grealish’s bravery after the game, describing him as an “incredible human being”.

Grealish netted his first Premier League goal since December 2023, when he scored in three matches in a row. His opener after just 109 seconds is also City’s earliest top-flight goal since Phil Foden netted after 79 seconds against West Ham in May 2024.

Guardiola was also full of praise for his midfielder’s performance and suggested that more opportunities in a central role could be forthcoming.

Guardiola said: “I didn’t know [about the anniversary]. I can’t imagine how tough it can be for mum and dad, his sister and all the family.

“Jack is an incredible human being. It’s good that this day he remembers him. I’m pretty sure they remember every single day.

“He scored a goal and made a good game. He likes to play in the middle.

“He’s a guy who used to play free. He’s comfortable playing on the side. Always between the lines, he has ability. I’m happy for him.

“I know it’s not easy when you don’t play regularly. Last game in the FA Cup he played really good.”