Steven Gerrard's daughter Lilly-Ella has announced she is expecting a baby with her partner Lee Byrne, the son of jailed Kinahan cartel mobster Liam Byrne. The Liverpool legend is said to be delighted at the news and treats Lee 'as he would anyone else', according to family sources.
Lilly-Ella, one of Gerrard's three daughters, has been in a relationship with Lee since October 2022. A family friend told the Daily Mail: 'You have to remember that they were both young parents when they had Lilly, so while it is a surprise, it’s not as big a deal for them as it might be for others. They are a very close family, they spend a lot of time together, and Steven treats Lee just as he would anyone else.'
Gerrard himself posted a reply under his daughter's social media announcement, writing: 'We can't wait, great news and congratulations we love you.' The former England midfielder is preparing to become a grandfather for the first time.
Lee Byrne's father, Liam Byrne Snr, 44, was arrested in Spain in 2023 and jailed in October 2024 for five years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to import firearms. He is expected to serve only half his sentence, having already spent 14 months in custody. His barrister Jeremy Dein KC said his client 'never wants to find himself in this position again and at the age of 43 he is determined to lead a good and honest life when he is released.'
It is unclear if Gerrard has met his daughter's father-in-law-to-be. Byrne Snr could be released shortly before Christmas, potentially in time for his grandchild's christening. Meanwhile, Gerrard is navigating a difficult second season with Saudi club Al-Ettifaq, who are only six points clear of the relegation zone.
