Cody Gakpo and NIVEA MEN surprises lifelong Liverpool fan, Sean
Sometimes, football is more than just a game. For Sean, a lifelong Liverpool fan, it’s been a source of comfort, connection, and strength during some of the most difficult moments of his life.
In the latest episode of Dear Liverpool, presented by NIVEA MEN, Sean gets the surprise of a lifetime when Reds star Cody Gakpo shows up at his door. He’s not just there to say hello, but to recognize the kind of man and father Sean has become.
The surprise was set in motion by Sean’s younger brother Liam, who wanted to honour Sean for the way he stepped up as a big brother and father figure after the two of them experienced unimaginable loss. Years ago, while attending a match at Anfield, they lost their dad. Sean was just 13, and Liam only eight. From that day on, Sean carried the weight of being both brother and protector, finding strength in family and in the club they both love.
Later in life, Sean and his wife Natalie faced another heartbreaking chapter: the loss of their first baby, Ava, late in pregnancy. It was a pain that words can’t quite describe. But Sean didn’t hide from it. Instead, he used his experience to help others by becoming part of Honeysuckle FC, a Liverpool FC Foundation program that supports men who have experienced baby loss.
Today, Sean and Natalie are raising two beautiful boys, Alfie and Freddie. They’re trying to give them a childhood filled with love, resilience, and a shared passion for the Reds.
That’s where Gakpo comes in. With genuine warmth and humility, he surprised Sean and his family at home before taking them on an unforgettable private tour of Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre. For a man who has given so much of himself to others, it was a rare moment for something meaningful to be given back.
As a final touch, the family was invited to Anfield to watch Liverpool secure a huge win over Tottenham. It was a full-circle moment in the place where so much of their story began.
Because sometimes, football isn’t just about goals. It’s about the people, the memories, and the way a club can become part of who you are.
