Former Aston Villa winger Jack Grealish was full of emotion after scoring for Manchester City against Leicester City in the Premier League
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Updated 18:41, 03 Apr 2025
Manchester City's Jack Grealish celebrates scoring the opener against Leicester City
Manchester City's Jack Grealish celebrates scoring the opener against Leicester City
(Image: Getty Images)
Former Aston Villa star Jack Grealish dedicated his first Premier League goal in almost 16 months to his younger brother Keelan on the 25th anniversary of his death.
Grealish, 29, scored a second-minute opener for Manchester City against Leicester City on Wednesday, his first top flight strike since December 2023.
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The England international had gone 26 matches without scoring in the league but ended that drought with a neat finish at the Etihad Stadium.
Savinho pulled the ball back for Grealish, in acres of space inside the box, to fire low beyond Mads Hermansen.
As he ran off to celebrate, Grealish performed a knee-slide before pointing his fingers up in the air to remember his brother, Keelan, who passed away 25 years ago to the day.
Jack Grealish pictured opening the scoring for Manchester City against Leicester City
Jack Grealish pictured opening the scoring for Manchester City against Leicester City
Grealish was four years of age when Keelan died in April 2000, aged just nine months due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Speaking after the game, Grealish paid tribute to Keelan.
"My little brother passed away 25 years ago today," he said.
"This day is hard on the family.
"My mum and dad were here, so to score and to win was brilliant."
Grealish later posted a special message on Instagram.
Alongside four images of him in action against Leicester, he wrote in a caption: "With me always especially this day [star emoji] that was for you Keelan [love heart emoji]."
City boss Pep Guardiola said he was unaware that it was the anniversary but hailed Grealish in his post-match press conference.
"Jack is an incredible human being," said Guardiola, "he is incredibly generous.
"I didn't know that and I can't imagine how tough it can be with mum and dad and sister.
"It is good they remember him, this day.
"I am sure they remember him every single day but it is good to score."
Grealish won the Player of the Match for his performance against Leicester.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola embraces Jack Grealish last season
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola embraces Jack Grealish last season
Starting in the No.10 role, he was at the heart of City's dominant attacking showing and looked sharp throughout.
"I wanted the chance to play," Grealish added. "I've only started in the FA Cup in 2025.
"As you can imagine I was devastated to not play on the weekend as I'd played in every other round.
"So I was so disappointed but I came on and I feel like I played well.
"I feel like I deserved to play tonight.
"I was just happy.
"I think this season I’ve not been at my best, even last season.
"But I feel like even when I’ve played, especially in 2025, I’ve only started three or four games, I’ve not started in the Premier League since before Christmas.
"But yeah, I was happy that I started tonight and happy to score."