Micah Richards reveals he learned of his father’s death just before BBC’s England vs. Argentina broadcast
Former England defender Micah Richards has revealed that he received the devastating news of his father’s death only moments before going on air to cover England’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina for the BBC.
The popular pundit was working at the stadium in Atlanta as part of the broadcaster’s live coverage when England’s hopes of reaching another World Cup final came to an end. While viewers saw Richards carrying out his professional duties as usual, they had no idea he was dealing with an unimaginable personal tragedy behind the scenes.
After the broadcast concluded, Richards shared an emotional statement on Instagram, explaining the heartbreaking circumstances surrounding the evening.
He revealed that his father, Lincoln Richards, had died unexpectedly shortly before he was due to appear live on television.
“Not long before going on air today, I received the awful news that my father Lincoln had passed away,” Richards wrote.
Describing the loss as sudden and deeply painful, he said his father had left the family far too soon.
Richards went on to pay tribute to the man he called his “greatest fan,” recalling how his father supported him from the very beginning of his football journey.
According to Richards, Lincoln rarely missed a match throughout his son’s life. From driving him to youth games as a child to proudly watching his professional career unfold, he was a constant source of encouragement and unwavering belief.
“It was so rare for him not to be by my side,” Richards wrote, highlighting the close bond they shared.
Despite the overwhelming grief, Richards explained why he still chose to fulfill his broadcasting responsibilities that evening.
He reflected on the special role England matches play in bringing families together, saying international football creates memories that are shared across generations.
Richards added that his father, whom he described as a proud, old-school Yorkshireman, would have wanted the BBC coverage to continue as planned.
“I know Dad would’ve wanted the show to go on this evening,” he wrote.
His tribute concluded with a touching message dedicated to his father and the rest of his family.
“Thinking of my siblings and all my wider family today as we remember my father Lincoln, my hero and inspiration.”
The emotional post quickly attracted an outpouring of support from across the football community.
England midfielder James Maddison was among the first to respond, sending his love to Richards.
Former Lioness Jill Scott also shared a heartfelt message, saying she was thinking of Richards and his family during such a difficult time.
Ex-Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor, former England goalkeeper Joe Hart, Spanish midfielder Juan Mata, England forward Chloe Kelly, and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher were among the many current and former players who offered their condolences.
Several others, including Harry Maguire, Alex Scott, and Fran Kirby, reacted with heart emojis in a show of solidarity.
Fans were equally moved by Richards’ decision to continue working despite the devastating news.
Many praised his professionalism and strength, acknowledging how difficult it must have been to appear live on television while privately grieving the loss of his father.
One supporter wrote that Richards deserved enormous respect for presenting the programme under such heartbreaking circumstances, adding that their thoughts were with him and his loved ones.
Richards has long been regarded as one of football’s most charismatic television personalities, known for bringing warmth, humor, and insight to BBC broadcasts. His heartfelt tribute revealed another side of the former Manchester City defender—one shaped by deep gratitude for the father who supported every step of his journey.
As tributes continue to pour in, football supporters around the world have united in sending condolences to Richards and his family, remembering not only the respected pundit but also the father he proudly described as his greatest supporter, his hero, and his inspiration.
