Danny Murphy has surprised BBC World Cup viewers with a third instalment of his Bob the Cat story, revealing the runaway feline was rehomed after becoming a 'bully' to his sister Mary. The former Liverpool and Fulham midfielder dropped the update during Portugal vs Spain on July 6, 2026, defending his decision to give up the cat.
How the Bob the Cat Saga Began
The legend first emerged when Erling Haaland and Norway beat Ivory Coast on June 30. As Fulham star Oscar Bobb was subbed on for Norway in the 72nd minute, Murphy told BBC commentator Steve Bower about his cat named Bob. He said: 'Yeah he jumped in the back of a Royal Mail van and we lost him.' With comedic timing, he added: 'Sad, really.'
During Spain vs Austria, Murphy revealed Bob did return home but had changed. The emotional update confirmed Bob was rehomed and has since passed away. Murphy said: 'Surprisingly there was a lot of interest... we did get him back six or seven weeks later. Unfortunately he had gone feral and we couldn't reintegrate him in the home and he ended up living with my friend's parents in Preston. That was the life he had and now he has passed away, unfortunately. Thanks for all the concern those who have been messaging us.'
The Third Instalment: Bullying Sister Mary
Now, in the third part of what fans have compared to The Lord of the Rings, Murphy has defended his choice. During Portugal vs Spain, he said: 'It is a little bit unfair. A little bit harsh. Just to clarify, we did try and settle him back into the house, but he started bullying and fighting his sister Mary. So we made the decision to give him the red card and send him up the road to Preston. I think it was the right decision. I was between a rock and a hard place. What can I say.'
BBC commentator Steve Bower joked about the addition of new characters, calling it 'the cat-verse with Sister Mary'.
Fan Reactions
Social media erupted with comparisons. One fan said: 'Danny Murphy and his ongoing story about Bob the cat is peak World Cup lore.' Another wrote: 'The Danny Murphy cat story is basically the cat version of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Except this is Feral Bob of Preston.' A third added: 'Danny Murphy has ensured that 60 years of hurt could end, but we will only remember the 2026 World Cup for Bob the cat.'
