Tomlinson

LOUIS Tomlinson has opened up about the death of Liam Payne and has revealed he’s struggling to come to terms with it.

Pop star Liam tragically died after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires in October last year.

The pair were firm friends after being in One Direction together from 2010 and 2016 and they continued their friendship after the band split up.

Speaking about the grief of losing Liam, Louis told The Independent: “I naively thought that, at this point, I’d unfortunately be a little bit more well versed with grief than other people my age.

“I thought that might mean something, but it didn’t at all. It’s something I’ll never really accept. I don’t think.”

Louis is no stranger to grief, having lost his mum Johannah Deakin in 2016, when she died of leukaemia at the age of 43.

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Just three years later, his sister Félicité tragically died from an accidental overdose at the age of 18.

This isn’t the first time Louis has opened up about Liam as he recently spoke about him during an appearance on Steven Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO podcast.

He told the Dragons’ Den star: “I could just go on and talk all day about how amazing he was, but I think we all looked up to him.

“I don’t think we would have been brave enough to say at that age when I was in the bnd, I think I would’ve had too much pride, but we all looked up to him massively.”

Speaking about the devastating moment he found out about Liam’s death, Louis said: “In the car, in LA. I found out through Niall [Horan].

“I had the same feeling that I had with Felicity, and I think anyone has this when they’re around someone who’s struggling; my 150 per cent wasn’t nearly enough.

“And that’s when it’s my own arrogance thinking that I could have helped really, because it was so much deeper than what I could have done for him. He was definitely struggling at that time in his life.”

Liam had flown to Argentina with girlfriend Kate Cassidy for a five-day holiday, to see his ex-1D bandmate Niall Horan in concert.

Liam extended the trip but Kate returned home to the US.

It is claimed Liam then turned to drink and drugs.

One Direction were formed on The X Factor in 2010, with Louis and Liam being joined in the band by Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik, who quit the band in 2015.

The boys came third on the ITV show and went on to sell over 70 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling boy bands of all time.

FORMER One Direction star Louis Tomlinson was duped by fraudsters in a £4million footie plot.

The Bigger Than Me singer became the face of Doncaster Rovers in the hope he could boost the profile of his childhood team and take them to the Premier League.

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But the 33-year-old had the wool pulled over his eyes by a gang who stole millions from people’s retirement nest eggs.

Over two years £3.7million had been funnelled from hard-earned pension pots belonging more than 200 victims.

Prosecutors said the proposed Doncaster deal was used by the thugs to cover up the missing cash to cops.

As reported by the Mirror, criminal gang Kevin Phelan, Daniel Giles and Adrian Bashforth were all convicted last month and face jail time.

The trial at Leeds Crown Court heard Louis unwittingly became involved with the scammers in 2014.

At the gang’s trial, prosecutor Timothy Hannam KC said: “These defendants nicked money from people’s life savings.”

Former club chairman John Ryan enlisted Louis’ help to bolster support for Doncaster at the time.

The club was insolvent and staying afloat by Ryan’s loans and other investors.

Seqentia Captial SA tried to buy it twice, but deals fell through on both occasions.

Ryan also asked crook Phelan, 62, if he wanted to buy the club in 2013.

Louis later met with the gang at his Cheshire pad at the height of 1D’s fame in 2014.

Ryan transferred his 30 per cent shareholding to Sequentia and resigned as Doncaster chairman.

The proposed deal stated 70 per cent of Doncaster would be given to Belize-based Sequentia Capital SA if the takeover was successful.

Louis and Ryan would become the club’s public face while Sequentia would be a “silent participant”.

The One Direction singer started a fundraiser and aimed to rake in an eyewatering £6million from his fans and followers.

But the crowdfunder only raised £600,000 in the end, and £500,000 of that was from one of the fraudulent gang members.

The source of the offshore firm’s funds was “stolen pension money”, the court heard.

Phelan met Louis at his home in January 2014 and Daniel Giles texted the same day: “I’ve been interrogated for the last few hours over 1D boy. Kids want to come to the next meeting mate.

“I’m thinking 16 million brainwashed followers. Very very interesting.

“Let’s crack on now together and build a nice fighting fund.”

The deal would also see Louis take a 10 per cent stake in the club with the hopes they would reach the Premier League.

The singer would show his support at games and behind the scenes.

He met with Phelan and Giles, 51, at a One Direction concert in Dublin’ to sign the deal, however it didn’t go through due to the lack of funds raised.

Louis said at the time: “I’m gutted the Doncaster deal is not going ahead. I am desperate for the club to be given the recognition it deserves.

“I was told the deal to buy the club was not dependent on the money raised by Crowdfunding. Unfortunately I was misled.”

There is no suggestion Louis or Ryan knew about the pension fraud.

The defendants will be sentenced in January.

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Soccer Aid, which has been running for more than two decades and has raised more than £100 million overall, had Sam Matterface as the commentator, with Iain Stirling joining him

Soccer Aid 2025 fans were divided as they pointed out what happens every time One Direction star Louis Tomlinson has the ball. The singer joined a slew of famous faces on the pitch but the audience seemed to have their focus on the star as they screamed and cheered every single time he was passed the ball.

Fans noticed how much louder the stadium got when he had the ball and took to social media to share their divided opinions on the cheering. One fan said on X: “Take that 1D kid off people screaming for him is becoming annoying and making this match unwatchable,” while another person more kindly said: “I love the applause that so louder when Louis has the ball.”

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“That constant screaming for Louis Tomlinson is already annoying af. I think a wave go around and that’s saying something,” one viewer commented.

Another posted: “You can tell when Louis has the ball as the crowd go absolutely wild,” with a laughing emoji. “The audible squeal with Louis Tomlinson gets the ball is hilarious! These girls have never watched a full 90 minutes!”

However, one disgruntled football fan said: “do these one direction fans have to scream every time louis touches the ball ffs.”

The event, which has been running for more than two decades and has raised more than £100million overall, had Sam Matterface as the commentator with Iain Stirling joining him.

England’s coaching team include the likes of Tyson Fury (Boxer), Harry Redknapp (Former football manager), Vicky McClure (Actor), David James (Former footballer) and Sam Thompson.

Former Made In Chelsea star Sam was meant to be on the pitch with the rest of the team but had to step aside after sustaining an calf injury during his gruelling 280-mile charity mission from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, the players include the likes of Steve Bartlett, Alex Brooker, Jermain Defoe, Toni Duggan, Sir Mo Farah, Angry Ginge, Tom Grennan, Joe Hart, Steph Houghton, Aaron Lennon, Dame Denise Lewis, Paddy McGuinness, Gary Neville, Sam Quek, Wayne Rooney, Paul Scoles, Jill Scott and Louis Tomlinson.

The World XI team, which is coached by Peter Schmeichel, has a few big names with the likes of Noah Beck, Tony Bellew, Leonardo Bonucci, Tobi Brown, Martin Compston, Richard Gadd and more.

Bryan Habana, Dermot Kennedy, Harry Kewell, Kaylyn Kyle, Gorka Marquez, Nadia Nadim, Livi Sheldon, Carlos Tevez, Edwin van der Sar, Nemanja Vidic, Billy Wingrove and Big Zuu are also part of the World XI team.

This year’s game is held at Old Trafford after previously being held at Stamford Bridge. Soccer Aid was also held at Old Trafford between 2010-2018 as well as most recently in 2023.

However, other venues have also been used in the past such as Wembley, Stamford Bridge, City of Manchester Stadium and London Stadium.

Soccer Aid was first launched in 2006 by former Take That star Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes. It initially took place every two years but is now an annual event.

Females were first allowed to play in the game in 2019 and it is the only mixed-sex match officially sanctioned by The Football Association. 2020 saw the event held behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic.

You can watch Soccer Aid 2025 live on ITV1 and ITVX will have you covered for a live stream on mobile devices*

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LOUIS Tomlinson displayed “playground mentality” towards love rival Sam Thompson during Soccer Aid training.

It comes after Sun revealed yesterday that the former Made in Chelsea star, 32, had been ruled out of playing in this year’s match where he was due to play on the same team as Louis, 33.

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Sam was due to play in the same England side as One Direction star Louis, 33, who is now dating his ex Zara McDermott.

The former couple split in December, with Zara quickly moving on with Louis.

The two men were both due to take part in Soccer Aid tomorrow, but it was revealed exclusively by The Sun yesterday that the I’m A Celeb champ had pull out due to injury.

However, before Sam was forced to quit, he was he was pictured training with Louis this week at Soccer Aid HQ in Tring, Herts, where the England and Rest of the World teams have been preparing for the match.

After looking at the pictures in detail, a body language expert believes that Louis displayed a “playground mentality” towards Sam on the pitch.

Expert Judi James said that while Sam was smiling and happy, and get along with the other players, One Direction star Louis seemed “glum” and “separate”.

She told The Mail: ‘There seems to be more of a playground dynamic growing from the body language here.

“Sam seems to be very much part of the core group, sitting central and being the center of their attention while Louis walks by looking glum at times and rather peripheral to the social interaction.

“As the guys club around Sam, who looks deep in the discussion, Louis seems to glance over with a rather hard-looking stare. 

“His eye direction might not be exclusively aimed at Sam, but he does seem to be checking the group out with an unsmiling facial expression.”

Continuing she said: “When the two men meet on the pitch there is an unsmiling, reflective-looking gaze from Louis.

“This shouldn’t be over-dramatized into any form of specifically directed ‘hard stare’ as his eye direction does not seem to be aimed directly at Sam, but there could be seen to be a hint of some kind of ‘atmosphere’ brewing here. 

“With his hands on his hips, Louis does look really down and perhaps rather uncomfortable.”

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SAM QUITS SOCCER AID

Meanwhile, yesterday The Sun exclusively revealed how Sam was no longer able to take part on Soccer Aid tomorrow.

The popular star pulled out due to injuries sustained in his epic marathon challenge, in which he made the gruelling 260-mile trip from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford via foot and bike.

A source told us: “Sam is gutted he can’t play, but the match has just come too soon since his efforts.

“He’s still going to be a presence and play a big part in the coverage but he won’t be able to compete on the field.”

They added: “There is a small blessing in his withdrawal as the focus on him and Louis will disperse.

“Their every move will be watched so it’s a relief in some ways they won’t be on the pitch together.”

Sam will play a “ceremonial role” in tomorrow’s match, kicking off the game before heading into the stands.

Soccer Aid kicks off tomorrow night at 7.30pm on ITV and ITVX

England team and coaching staff

Here is a look at the full team for England for Soccer Aid 2025…

Team:

• Steven Bartlett (Entrepreneur)
• Alex Brooker (TV personality)
• Jermain Defoe (Former footballer)
• Toni Duggan (Former footballer)
• Angry Ginge (YouTuber)
• Tom Grennan (Musician)
• Bear Grylls (TV personality)
• Joe Hart (Former footballer)
• Steph Houghton (Former footballer)
• Aaron Lennon (Former footballer)
• Dame Denise Lewis (Olympic gold medallist)
• Paddy McGuinness (TV personality)
• Sir Mo Farah (Former Olympian)
• Gary Neville (Former footballer)
• Sam Quek (Former hockey player/TV personality)
• Wayne Rooney (Former footballer and manager)
• Paul Scholes (Former footballer)
• Jill Scott (Former footballer)
• Sam Thompson (King of the Jungle)
• Louis Tomlinson (Musician)
• Michael Carrick (Former footballer)
• Phil Jagielka (Former footballer)
• Roman Kemp (Radio host)
• Jack Wilshere (Former footballer)
• Bella Ramsey (Actor)

Coaches:

• Wayne Rooney (Former footballer and manager)
• Tyson Fury (Boxer)
• Harry Redknapp (Former football manager)
• Vicky McClure (Actor)
• Goalkeeping coach: David James (Former footballer)

Sam Thompson gets emotional ahead of Soccer Aid which will see him play on the same team as ex-love Zara McDermott’s new boyfriend Louis Tomlinson

Playing with their football heroes is a dream come true for the stars taking part in Soccer Aid – but raising money for UNICEF is the real prize for stars including Sam Thompson and Louis Tomlinson. Since singer Robbie Williams created the event in 2006, over £106 million has been raised. This year’s match takes place at Old Trafford and will see Wayne Rooney playing for England alongside his former Manchester United teammates Gary Neville and Paul Scholes, plus Lionesses Jill Scott, Steph Houghton and Toni Duggan.

Joining them is a cool crew of celebs including Paddy McGuinness, Sam Quek and Tom Grennan. While the World XI team includes Richard Gadd, Edwin van der Sar, Martin Compston and Tony Bellew.

Sam has got a dual role: as well as playing on the pitch, he’s also been running and cycling 260 miles to hand-deliver the ball to Old Trafford and raise more money in a challenge called Matchball Mission for Unicef.

“One of the most special things about Soccer Aid for UNICEF is the togetherness that it brings out,” says Sam, 32. “I’ll never forget being sat at that training dinner table watching the television screens of UNICEF’s great work. People were shedding tears – everyone’s in it together. When we realised we’d helped to raise a record milestone of over £100 million since the game first began, the cheer that went up was bigger than the cheer of winning the actual game, which I think is quite telling.”

Tears also played a part when Sam crossed the finish line on Friday as he delivered the match ball to Old Trafford and got a congratulatory message from Prime Minister Kier Starmer.

He told the Mirror it’s “mad” that the Prime Minister said he was “inspiring”. “I can’t believe the prime minister knows my name,” Sam said. “I’m on double codeine and paracetamol… I am not going to lie, it hurts a lot,” Sam admitted as he walked to a nearby hotel.

The 32 year old, who has already raised over £1.5 million from the challenge, confessed: “I am totally broken – but so happy . The fact this challenge has grabbed everyone’s attention is just so incredible and I have just been blown away!”

And yesterday he was crying again on This Morning yesterday as he recalled the feat, telling Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley: “I’ve gotto stop crying! You’re making me so emotional, so many tears man.”

Soccer Aid host Dermot O’Leary is also returning and says half-time is his favourite part of the match because he gets to play pundit. “You have these special moments, it’s a laugh and you’re watching a game of football and you’re seeing goals,” says the 52-year-old.

Former One Direction star Louis lists playing with Ronaldinho as one of his greatest Soccer Aid memories, but for Jill, it’s buddying up with Football Factory star Danny Dyer that makes her day.

“He’s my type of player,” grins Jill, 38. “Strong tackles, probably swears a little bit too much, but I love that passion and football aggression!”

Soccer Aid for Unicef 2025 airs on Sunday at 6pm on ITV1. Join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News , Flipboard , Apple News, TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads – or visit The Mirror homepage.