May that little heart find peace amidst such overwhelming loss. Issac Kearny, Liverpool’s most devoted young fan, broke down in tears the moment he heard the tragic new…

May that little heart find peace amidst such overwhelming loss. Issac Kearny, Liverpool’s most devoted young fan, broke down in tears the moment he heard the tragic news. Through his sobs, he begged to attend the funeral — desperate for one final farewell to the hero who meant the world to him. Behind this heartbreaking journey lies a story that leaves no soul untouched. Issac Kearny’s Heartbreaking Farewell: A Young Fan’s Journey to Honor His Liverpool Hero

 

In the quiet Liverpool suburb of Anfield, a young boy’s love for his football hero, Diogo Jota, has touched hearts worldwide. Issac Kearny, a 10-year-old known as Liverpool FC’s most devoted young fan, was shattered by the tragic news of Jota’s death in a car crash on July 3, 2025, alongside his brother, Andre Silva. The moment Issac heard, his small frame shook with sobs, his world crumbling as he begged his parents to attend Jota’s funeral in Porto, Portugal—a desperate plea for one final farewell to the player who meant everything to him. Behind this heartbreaking journey lies a story of devotion, loss, and a child’s unbreakable bond with his idol, leaving no soul untouched.

 

Issac’s love for Liverpool began at age five, when he first saw Jota, the “Jota the Slotter,” score a decisive goal against Arsenal. Clutching his No. 20 jersey, Issac attended every home game he could, his face painted red, chanting “You’ll Never Walk Alone” with unwavering passion. Jota’s 65 goals in 182 appearances, including a Premier League-winning strike in 2024, made him Issac’s hero—a symbol of grit and heart. When news of the fiery crash on Spain’s A-52 motorway broke, Issac collapsed in tears, his mother, Sarah, recalling his whispered plea: “I need to say goodbye to Diogo.” His grief, shared in a viral X post, resonated globally, with one user writing, “Issac’s heartbreak is ours—YNWA.”

 

The Kearny family, despite financial strain, arranged to travel to Porto for Jota’s funeral on July 5, 2025, at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar. Issac, clutching a scarf inscribed with “Forever Red,” joined mourners, including Liverpool players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, to honor Jota and Andre. The service, following a wake at Capela da Ressurreicao, was a somber affair, with Issac’s small figure standing out as he placed a bouquet of red roses at the church steps, whispering, “Thank you, Diogo.” His gesture, captured by local media, moved attendees, with Portugal’s Prime Minister Luis Montenegro noting the “profound sorrow” of the moment.

Issac’s journey to Porto was more than a farewell; it was a testament to the bond between a young fan and a club that transcends sport. Liverpool, devastated by Jota’s loss at 28, opened physical and digital books of condolence at Anfield, where Issac signed, writing, “You’ll always be my hero.” The club’s decision to immortalize Jota’s No. 20 jersey, as reported by Liverpool.com, echoed Issac’s devotion, with fans on X calling it “the right tribute.” Even rival Everton supporters laid flowers, a unity Issac mirrored by thanking an Everton fan at Anfield’s makeshift shrine.

 

The tragedy, compounded by Jota’s recent marriage to Rute Cardoso on June 22, struck Issac deeply, as he’d dreamed of Jota’s “perfect summer” after Portugal’s Nations League win. His parents, Sarah and Tom, shared on X that Issac’s tears reflected not just personal loss but the fragility of life, a sentiment echoed by Ian Herbert’s poignant Daily Mail column. Issac’s determination to attend the funeral, despite the 1,500-mile journey, inspired a community fundraiser that raised £2,000, ensuring his presence in Porto.

As Issac stood among mourners, his small hand clutching his father’s, he embodied Liverpool’s ethos: unity in grief. The funeral, attended by figures like Jose Mourinho, who called Jota “one of the nice guys,” marked a collective farewell, but Issac’s presence added a raw, personal layer. His journey, born of love and loss, reminds us that heroes live on in the hearts of those they inspire. May Issac’s little heart find peace, knowing his farewell honored a hero whose legacy at Anfield endures forever.