WAFCON Winner Babajide Pays Tribute to Late Liverpool Coach Beard

Rinsola Babajide, the forward who helped Nigeria to the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title, has paid tribute to former Liverpool Women coach Matt Beard, following his passing at age 47. Babajide, who spent four years under Beard at Liverpool before moving permanently to Real Betis, shared her condolences via social media.

Beard first assumed charge of Liverpool Women in 2012, leading them to two Women’s Super League titles and their first Champions League campaign during that period.  He returned to Liverpool in 2021, immediately securing promotion back to the WSL after winning the Championship.

Reacting to Beard’s death, Babajide posted on X (formerly Twitter): “R.I.P Matt Beard, my condolences to his friends and family.” In light of his passing, Liverpool’s Women’s Super League fixture with Aston Villa was postponed.  Ahead of Premier League 2 fixtures at the Academy, there will be a minute’s silence and players will wear black armbands as a mark of respect.

Editorial

We feel deeply moved by Rinsola Babajide’s gesture to honour Matt Beard. The bonds between player and coach often go beyond tactics and training they touch the heart of mentorship, identity, and growth. To lose a guide of Beard’s stature is a reminder of how fragile yet precious these connections are in football.

Beard’s legacy at Liverpool Women is substantial, from early WSL titles to guiding the club into its first Champions League campaign. His return in 2021, culminating in immediate promotion, showed his resilience and ability to rebuild. For Babajide, being part of Beard’s squad meant not only honing her craft but being shaped under a vision that emphasised professionalism, ambition, and character.

Her tribute resonates because it bridges past and present. Having moved on to Real Betis, Babajide’s acknowledgment reflects gratitude for what was built under Beard’s tutelage. It shows that even as careers move forward, the foundation laid by coaches is never forgotten. Quiet moments of respect—like postponements, silences, and armbands declare that the sport is more than results; it’s a community bound by shared histories and values.

This moment prompts reflection across the game: How are we honouring those who lead, teach, and inspire? How often do we pause to consider their contribution beyond the headlines? Babajide’s words do that—they elevate gratitude into action and respect into ritual.

We believe that Beard’s legacy will endure through players like Babajide and countless others whose formative years he shaped. In the end, football remembers not just goals and trophies but those who guided others toward them with integrity. Matt Beard will be remembered not only for what he achieved, but for what he helped others become.

Did You Know?

1. Matt Beard previously managed the Boston Breakers, West Ham United Women, and Bristol City Women, among other clubs.
2. Under Beard’s first tenure at Liverpool Women, the team achieved back to back WSL titles.
3. Babajide was Liverpool Women’s Player of the Season in 2019-20.
4. Beard’s 2021 return to Liverpool saw him immediately lead the team back into the WSL by winning the Championship.
5. As a sign of respect following Beard’s death, Liverpool Women’s Premier League 2 squad will hold a minute’s silence and wear black armbands in upcoming fixtures.