England’s Jack Grealish dedicates World Cup celebration to fan

England began their 2022 World Cup journey with a decisive 6-2 over Iran. The final goal of the game was specially dedicated to a young fan who faces a unique challenge.

Jack Grealish came off the bench at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar and delivered England’s sixth and final goal during the 90th minute of the game. After the goal, the Manchester City midfielder celebrated with a wavy shimmy dedicated to a young fan named Finlay who suffers from cerebral palsy.


Jack Grealish celebrates after scoring in England's win over Iran.
Jack Grealish celebrates after scoring in England’s win over Iran.
Getty Images

Jack Grealish
Jack Grealish fulfilled his long-standing promise to a young fan.
Screengrab/Twitter @premierleague

Finlay wrote Grealish a letter earlier this season after he learned the player’s sister, Hollie, also deals with cerebral palsy. Grealish wrote back and also sent a signed shirt. Much to Finlay’s delight, Grealish also invited him to Manchester City’s training grounds earlier this month. During their meeting, Grealish promised to perform a celebration for Finlay the next time he scored. Finlay initially asked for “the worm”, but ultimately landed on a shimmy coupled with a ripple of the arms.

Grealish’s next subsequent goal came during soccer’s grandest tournament, and once the goal was official, he held true to his promise with a shimmy of gusto. He had only scored one other time this season, but was sure to make his mark against Iran.


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 After the match, Grealish made it a point to dedicate the goal to Finlay on social media.

“For you Finlay,” the 27-year-old wrote on Twitter.