During Newcastle United’s historic 2-1 win against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final, Alan Shearer couldn’t help but shed a few tears.
The legendary Magpies striker, who was in the crowd at Wembley, found himself overcome with emotion.
It wasn’t just about the team’s long-awaited victory, though.
Shearer’s tears had a much more personal significance, and he took to the “Rest Is Football” podcast to explain the real reason behind his emotional response.
A Long-Awaited Triumph for Newcastle
Newcastle United’s victory marked the end of a 70-year trophy drought, and it was a moment of pure joy for the club’s supporters.
Shearer, who spent a significant part of his career at Newcastle, had experienced the disappointment of losing two FA Cup finals at Wembley.
But on Sunday, his former team clinched a major domestic trophy, with Dan Burn and Alexander Isak scoring the goals that led to their 2-1 triumph over Liverpool.
While many assumed that the 70-year gap without a major trophy was the source of Shearer’s tears, he clarified the true reason behind his emotional moment on the podcast.
Shearer Pays Tribute to His Late Father
For Shearer, the tears were not just about Newcastle’s win but about the memory of his father.
In a heartfelt moment, Shearer admitted that he thought of his late father when the final whistle blew.
“I must admit, I had a tear or two at the end when the final whistle went.
Because I thought of my old man, you know. And I mean, he was looking up,” he shared.
Shearer’s father, also named Alan, passed away last year at the age of 80 after a battle with cancer.
He had been diagnosed with the disease again in 2024, having previously overcome it at the age of 65.
Shearer fondly recalled that his father had attended the 1969 FA Cup final when Newcastle won the trophy and that he had always hoped to see the team win again.
A Heartfelt Nod to His Father
In his emotional reflection, Shearer explained that his father had always been a passionate supporter of Newcastle, and even in his final days, he spoke about his hopes for the team.
“Even in his last few days, he was on about Newcastle and how he wanted to do well and win the trophy,” Shearer said.
“Me and Will, and my daughter Chloe and her boyfriend, we’ll give him a little nod.”
Shearer also touched on how much his father’s influence had on his career.
He credited his dad with instilling a love for football in him from a young age.
In a column written for The Athletic in August 2024, Shearer reflected on the deep emotional impact his father’s passing had on him.
A Lasting Legacy and Family Bonds
In the column, Shearer spoke of the sacrifices his parents made for him to pursue his dreams.
“Without my dad throwing a ball at my pudgy little legs, I would never have been Newcastle’s No 9, wheeling away from the Gallowgate End with my right arm in the air,” Shearer wrote.
His words captured the profound connection between father and son and the legacy his father left behind.
Despite his father’s stern and grounded nature, Shearer recalled how his dad, a lifelong Newcastle supporter, broke his silence to praise him when he broke the club’s goalscoring record in 2006.
“He was not a poetic man, my dad — he was as grounded as they come, a bloke’s bloke, a Geordie grafter,” Shearer remembered.
The Emotional Depth of Shearer’s Connection to Newcastle
Shearer’s relationship with his father was deeply intertwined with his love for Newcastle United.
His father’s quiet admiration and support were a major part of Shearer’s drive to succeed.
The tears at the Carabao Cup final were not just about the team’s triumph; they were a tribute to the man who had been there for him through thick and thin, and who would have been cheering on his son from above.
As Shearer continues to reflect on his father’s legacy, it’s clear that the emotional wounds of his loss will always be with him, especially during moments like this one—moments where his father’s spirit and support still shine through.