WATCH: Meet Isaac, the six-year-old Liverpool fan who captured the hearts of the world

Isaac Kearney is six years old – who was born with the rare genetic disorder Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, which means he develops at a slower rate than other children his age – was surprised at school by Salah and Van Dijk.

Isaac Kearney is six years old – who was born with the rare genetic disorder Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, which means he develops at a slower rate than other children his age – was surprised at school by Salah and Van Dijk.

Published Jan 7, 2025

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Whether you’re a Red or a Red Devil, one thing unites football fans everywhere: the heartwarming story of Isaac Kearney.

This six-year-old Liverpool FC superfan – who was born with the rare genetic disorder Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, which means he develops at a slower rate than other children his age – has captured millions of hearts with his passion, charm, and unforgettable moments with his heroes.

Isaac first gained attention when Liverpool FC shared a video of him meeting the team.

Fans quickly fell in love with his spirited renditions of LFC songs, which he performed with a toy guitar and uncontainable enthusiasm. His dedication to the Reds has made him a social media sensation.

The highlight of Isaac’s journey came during a visit to the AXA Training Centre, where he experienced a dream come true.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk surprised Isaac at his school, but he didn’t walk alone — Egyptian superstar Mo Salah joined him to make the moment even more unforgettable.

“I’m looking for someone who is a big, big Liverpool fan and loves to play the guitar… I think his name is Isaac?” Van Dijk announced as he entered the classroom. The young Kopite’s face lit up with pure joy as he realised his heroes had come to see him.

The Liverpool duo then whisked Isaac and his family off to Kirkby, north-east of Liverpool, where he met the entire squad. Each player received a warm high-five and a cheerful shout of their surname from Isaac, whose excitement was contagious.

But the surprises didn’t end there. Salah and Van Dijk revealed that Isaac would be the official mascot for Liverpool’s Premier League showdown against Manchester City at Anfield.

The special occasion coincided with the United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities, making Isaac’s moment in the spotlight even more meaningful.

Isaac Kearney’s story is a testament to the power of football to bring joy, unity, and inspiration to fans of all ages.