Ryan Babel let Liverpool fans call the shots on his celebration during the Liverpool Legends clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, and the former winger delivered a touching tribute following his decisive goal.
The 38-year-old struck the only goal of the game late on as the Reds secured a 1-0 win over Chelsea Legends over the weekend, completing a double over their London rivals after Peter Crouch’s double had sealed a 2-0 victory for Liverpool at Anfield in March.
Babel, who played for Liverpool from 2007 to 2010 after joining from Ajax, opted to replicate one of Diogo Jota’s iconic baby shark celebrations a gesture suggested by fans earlier in the day as a heartfelt tribute to the forward following his tragic passing this summer.
“It brought back a lot of memories. It’s not too long ago that I retired but still, it feels now like a long time. It brought so many memories, of course scoring and the dopamine of celebrating with teammates and fans. It was a good moment, for sure,” Babel told Liverpoolfc.com after the match.
Goals were harder to come by than in the Anfield fixture, but the match still produced plenty of sparks as Diego Costa and Martin Skrtel reignited old rivalries a decade on from their clashes as professional players. In the end, it was Babel and the Liverpool Legends who had the final laugh, as the Dutchman’s composed finish found the bottom corner.
The celebration was particularly poignant, as Babel, along with a number of current Liverpool stars, honoured Jota’s memory. Players including Darwin Núñez, Cody Gakpo, and Mohamed Salah have all paid similar tributes this season.
Babel explained: “You always want to be competitive. And once you are at it, especially in such a game as Chelsea–Liverpool, you want to win and be competitive.”
The Legends match also served a larger purpose, with Chelsea and Liverpool donating proceeds to their respective club foundations. Before kick-off, both sides observed a moment of reflection in memory of Matt Beard, Joey Jones, Diogo Jota, and Andre Silva, all of whom have been recently lost and are deeply missed by both clubs.
Liverpool fans have seen their former stars return to Anfield on numerous occasions, but Babel’s goal struck a different chord. His precise finish into the bottom corner, followed by the shark gesture, reminded everyone of the deep connection he maintains with the club.
Babel’s return to Stamford Bridge was more than just about competition. It was also a reunion with a club and a fanbase he clearly still cherishes. The match featured a host of familiar faces, including Yossi Benayoun, Martin Škrtel, and Pepe Reina, highlighting how strong the ties remain between Liverpool and its former players.
For Babel personally, scoring for Liverpool still carries the same thrill as it did during his playing career. His words captured the sentiment perfectly: no matter how long you’ve been away, finding the net in a Liverpool shirt always feels like coming home.
As Liverpool Legends continue to honour the club’s history and the players who shaped it, moments like Babel’s goal at Stamford Bridge serve as a reminder of the enduring bond between former stars and the Anfield faithful.
