I was having my morning cuppa last week when the news popped up on my phone. Steven Gerrard, grandfather at 45. Blimey, I thought, where does time go? It feels like yesterday we were all celebrating Istanbul, and now his eldest daughter has made him a granddad. That’s modern Britain for you; life moves at lightning speed.
Growing Up Gerrard
Lilly Gerrard entered this world in February 2004, smack bang in the middle of her dad’s golden years at Liverpool. Picture this: while other kids were watching their fathers head off to ordinary jobs, young Lilly was seeing hers become a proper legend on the pitch. Not exactly your typical childhood, is it?
Her mum, Alex Curran, was already making waves as a model when she met Steven. The couple tied the knot in 2007 at Cliveden House; proper posh affair, that was. Lilly became the big sister to Lexie (now 19), Lourdes (13), and little Lio (7). Four kids running about whilst dad was captaining England? That’s some household to manage.
The thing about growing up, Gerrard, is you can’t really hide. Photographers were always lurking, especially during Steven’s playing days. Yet somehow, Alex and Steven managed to keep their children relatively grounded. No mean feat when you’re living between Formby and various international postings.
Making Her Own Way
Here’s what I find brilliant about Lilly; she’s not just living off her surname. The lass has built herself a proper following on social media, with over 200,000 people hanging on her every post. That’s no accident. She’s crafted her own little empire, sharing bits of her life, from Dubai holidays to nights out in Liverpool.
Her Instagram reads like a travel diary. One day she’s soaking up sun in Ibiza; the next she’s back home for Sunday roast with the family. It’s relatable yet aspirational; exactly what works in today’s social media world. She’s mastered that balance between glamorous and genuine.
The Controversial Romance
Now, here’s where things get a bit sticky. Lilly’s been with Lee Byrne since 2022, and their relationship has caused quite the stir. Why? Well, Lee’s father is Liam Byrne, a Dublin gangster currently doing time for weapons charges. Not exactly what you’d call ideal in-law material.
When news of Lilly’s pregnancy broke in January 2025, the papers went absolutely mental. “Gerrard’s Daughter Dating Gangster’s Son”; you can practically write the headlines yourself. But here’s the thing: young love doesn’t care about family backgrounds, does it? These two met, clicked, and fell for each other. End of story.
What impressed me most was Steven’s reaction. Reports suggest he treats Lee like any other boyfriend meeting his daughter’s family. That takes some doing when half the country’s watching your every move. Fair play to him for putting his daughter’s happiness first.
Becoming a Mum at 21
The baby arrived in July 2025, and honestly, you could feel the excitement from miles away. Steven Gerrard became a granddad at just 44; can you imagine? One minute, you’re tackling Lampard in the Premier League; the next, you’re cooing over a tiny bundle in pink. The football world went absolutely barmy when the news broke.
I can’t even begin to imagine what it’s like being 21 with a newborn whilst everyone’s got an opinion about your life. Every nappy change gets analysed, and every photo gets picked apart.
The poor girl can’t even pop to Tesco without someone having a go at her parenting choices. But you know what? Lilly’s handling it like an absolute champion. The photos I’ve seen show a lass who’s completely smitten with her little one; proper mum mode activated.
Family First Philosophy
The Gerrards have always been tight-knit. Steven’s spoken countless times about how family comes before everything else. This latest development proves that philosophy hasn’t wavered. Despite the media circus surrounding Lee’s family connections, the Gerrards have rallied around their daughter.
Alex Curran’s been particularly supportive, often sharing proud grandmother moments on her own social platforms. There’s something quite touching about seeing this glamorous family embrace such a traditional milestone. New babies have a way of putting everything else into perspective.
Modern Challenges, Timeless Values
When you come down to it, how the Gerrards have conducted themselves in recent times says a lot about their character. They could have played it safe, but they chose love and family.
Her evolution from footballer’s daughter to young mother shows remarkable growth. She’s spent years in the public eye, created a career of her own and taken to motherhood like a duck to water. Courage (no matter how you feel about her decisions) is what she had.
Writing this now puts a smile on my face. Football made Steven Gerrard a celebrity, but it is moments like these, when he became a grandfather, that count. Lilly Gerrard has given her legendary father the greatest victory of all: the chance to hold his grandchild. Now that’s what I call a proper result.
