Goalkeeper Makes His Pro Debut The Week His Dad Dies. Watch What The RIVAL Fans Do

May 6, 2025

On April 13, 2025, 21-year-old Brent Stevens stepped onto the field for his professional debut as goalkeeper for Jong Genk. But it wasn’t just a career milestone—it came during the most heartbreaking week of his life. Just days earlier, Stevens lost his father.

What followed at RFC Liège’s Stade de Rocourt showed the world the powerful compassion that still lives in football.

brad stevens soccer player dad died
Brad Stevens

Before kickoff, the stadium fell completely silent for a moving minute’s tribute. Stevens stood in goal, visibly emotional. The entire RFC Liège team crossed the field to offer their respects, surrounding him with a show of unity and comfort.

That moment alone was unforgettable—but the kindness didn’t stop there.

With Liège leading 3-1 late in the game, Stevens blocked a penalty shot with a stunning save. In a touching display of sportsmanship, the home crowd erupted into applause for the young goalkeeper’s strength—not just in the match, but in the week he had endured.

After the final whistle, RFC Liège supporters offered Stevens warm embraces—something rarely seen between rival fans.

“Dad would have wanted me to play,” Stevens later told Het Nieuwsblad. “What the Liège players and supporters showed before and after the match exceeded all my expectations. They showed a lot of respect. Just goes to show that things can be different in football.”

This emotional moment is a beautiful reminder that even in the heat of competition, humanity can shine through.

Watch the moving tribute and heartwarming save here.

@henrypostonsports On April 13, 2025, Brent Stevens celebrated his professional debut for Jong Genk. However, the 21-year-old goalkeeper had to say goodbye to his father earlier that same week. It was a haunting minute’s silence before the kick-off of RFC Liege - Jong Genk. In the Stade de Rocourt, nobody was left unmoved by this - the entire Liège team came to give the emotional Stevens a heartfelt welcome after the minute’s silence. Another heartwarming moment followed at the end of the match. With the home side leading 3-1, Stevens prevented a fourth goal with an excellent save on a penalty kick, followed by loud applause from the home fans. After the final whistle, the goalkeeper even received close hugs from the Liege supporters. ‘When I heard I was allowed to debut I was happy, but still had mixed feelings,’ Stevens looked back at Het Nieuwsblad afterwards. ‘Dad would have wanted me to play.’ ‘What the Liege players and supporters showed before and after the match exceeded all my expectations. They showed a lot of respect. Just goes to show that things can be different in football. Chapeau to the people of Liege.’ #BrentStevens #JongGenk #RFCLiege #EmotionalDebut #GoalkeeperDebut #TributeToDad #MinuteOfSilence #FootballRespect #ChapeauLiege #Sportsmanship #BelgianFootball #HeartwarmingMoment #FootballWithHeart #HenryPostonSports #RespectInFootball #EmotionalGame #PenaltySave #FootballFamily #SupportBeyondRivalry #GoneButNotForgotten #PlayForDad #Soccer #Football #Sports #⚽️ ♬ original sound - Henry Poston

 

feel good videoDogs Are Forced To Wear The Things They Steal — And It’s Hilarious

feel good storiesHow A Silly 11-Second Song About Dr Pepper Changed Her Life Overnight

feel good storiesSenior Cat Labeled 'Sad And Scared' Finds Forever Home

feel good storiesShe Could Have Kept Walking. Instead, She Stopped And Saved A Life

feel good storiesFamily On Walk Finds Kitten Covered In Ice, Stuck To Plastic She Was Hiding Under

feel good storiesNewborn Calf Barely Survives Freezing Cold, Then Finds Warmth With Kids

feel good video'You're a Unicorn': The Dementia Caregiver Who Just Stunned The American Idol Judges

feel good videoHis Kids Wanted To Help With His Videos, So He Let Them Narrate — It’s The Cutest Thing

feel good videoMeet Ella: She's 104, A WWII Veteran, And Swears By Peanut Butter

feel good videoNew Jersey Man Lets Robot Handle Snowstorm — Wakes Up To A Clear Driveway

feel good videoKid Knocks On Door To Ask If Their DOG Can Come Outside And Play