Liam Payne, known worldwide for his musical career as a member of the band One Direction, tragically passed away at the age of 31 in Argentina after an accident in a hotel. While he is mainly recognized for his music, the British artist also had a strong connection to football, which marked several significant moments in his life. 

One of those notable moments was when One Direction visited a Real Madrid training session, where they had the opportunity to meet Cristiano Ronaldo. During that visit, the band members, including Payne, took the chance to try a few free kicks alongside the Portuguese star—an experience that blended his passion for music with his admiration for football.

Payne also had the chance to play at Old Trafford, the iconic stadium of Manchester United, in a charity match organized by Soccer Aid. This experience allowed him to become part of the football world from within, fulfilling the dream of many fans to step onto the field of one of England’s most legendary stadiums.