He lost his father days before his pro debut. Then the rival team did something that stayed with him forever
The 21-year-old goalkeeper stood with his team during a minute of silence held in his father’s memory.
Losing a parent is one of the most painful experiences anyone can go through. When that loss comes during a defining moment in one's life, however, the contrast is much harder to carry. On April 13, 2025, 21-year-old goalkeeper Brent Stevens made his professional football debut for Jong Genk. It was a career milestone that came in the same week his father passed away. The game took place at the opposing team — RFC Liège’s — home ground, Stade de Rocourt. Before kickoff, Stevens stood with his teammates observing a minute of silence held in his father’s memory, as shared on DAZN Belgium's TikTok account @dazn_be.
The young goalkeeper looked down as players on both sides joined in a line of respect. The text overlay read, "The whole stadium applauded in honour of his father." As the players took their positions, RFC Liège’s team approached Stevens. One by one, they stepped up to console him, offering brief words, handshakes, and gestures of support. Near the end of the game, with Liège ahead 3-1, Stevens saved a penalty awarded by the referee, which was "a very emotional moment for the young goalie." "A moment that became even more special with the opposing fans chanting his name," the text overlay read. Stevens, visibly emotional, also approached the fans and even got hugs from them, as shown in the video.
In an interview with Het Nieuwsblad, Stevens expressed how much the support from the other team and fans meant to him, "That was for dad, who passed away last Saturday after a lingering illness. When I heard that I could make my debut, I was happy, but still had mixed feelings. Dad would have wanted me to play. What the Liège players and fans showed before and after the match exceeded all my expectations. They showed a lot of respect." As Stevens expressed his gratitude, it reflected the true spirit of sportsmanship and humanity.
The moment stayed with the viewers who saw it online, and people from various regions showed their respect and love for Stevens in the comments. @mgmh2017 wrote, "Unbelievable... and puts EVERYTHING that’s going on in the world into perspective and to show how life can and should be. Massive respect to all fans and players for both sides. Much love from Ireland." @always.angry2 commented, "This is how the game should be, great respect from the fans, the way the world is should be like this as an example, would be a much better place."
@luki82828282 said, "What a powerful, beautiful, and sad at the same time moment for this young gentleman. Be strong. Greetings from Poland." @rfcliege4 also commented on the video, "Beautiful scenes! Rocourt paid a touching tribute to Brent Stevens’ father — the young goalkeeper was making his professional debut after an incredibly tough week. We’re proud!" @youraverageleftback22 chimed in, "Don't judge, but this actually made me cry. This is why football is so good. Emotions can be fuel to drive you forward, but also bring you closer to the fans and the sport itself. Nice, I'm in bits here." @user2172861653297 said, "So sorry for your loss mate, but the whole footballing world is so proud of you, but not as much as YOUR DAD. Both sets of fans... MASSIVE RESPECT. From a tearful Evertonian."
You can follow DAZN Belgium's (@dazn_be) on TikTok for more sports content.
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