What happens when a humble village football club in Dublin gets the chance to face off against some of the biggest names in Premier League history?
Pure magic—and that’s exactly what unfolded when Ayrfield United, a local team from North Dublin, hosted a squad of Premier League legends for a special match that had the whole community buzzing.
From Local Heroes to Football Royalty in One Afternoon
It was more than just a match—it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the players of Ayrfield United.
On Saturday, their pitch at Blunden Drive played host to some serious football royalty, with big names like Jaap Stam, David James, Jermaine Beckford, and Yakubu lining up in a Premier League legends side.
For many of the Ayrfield players, it was a surreal moment—squaring off against men they grew up watching on TV.
It wasn’t just a friendly; it was football nostalgia served up live, right in their own backyard.
Yakubu and Beckford Bring the Goals and the Memories
Former Everton strike duo Yakubu and Beckford dusted off their boots and gave fans a flashback to their Premier League days.
One fan posted a photo of them together online and captioned it with a nod to Yakubu’s old-school brilliance, saying he “scored a vintage Yak goal.”
Social media lit up with admiration. Another user simply commented, “Legend,” as Yakubu reminded everyone why he was such a feared striker during his prime, with 95 goals in 252 Premier League appearances.
A Match With a Twist—And a Lot of Substitutes
To make sure as many local players as possible got to enjoy the moment, Ayrfield rotated three different squads throughout the match.
Each group played for 30 minutes, giving everyone a shot at challenging the stars—though the legends might’ve been feeling the pace by full-time.
Stam Still Has It—And The Fans Loved Every Second
After the match, Jaap Stam—still looking every bit the commanding defender—took to Instagram to thank Ayrfield for the warm welcome.
“Great game,” he wrote. “Lots of quality on the pitch with great support from the fans! Very enjoyable to be out there!”
Ayrfield quickly replied with love and gratitude: “Jaap you’ve still got it ya legend. Brilliant to have you here today.”
A Day to Remember for Players and Fans Alike
The day was packed with feel-good moments, laughter, and shared appreciation between fans and football greats.
One supporter summed it up perfectly: “What a day! Congrats to all involved.” Another simply said, “Quality lads.”
It wasn’t about who won or lost. It was about bringing the beautiful game to life in the most unexpected and joyful way.
And for the folks at Ayrfield United, it’s a match they’ll never forget.