Jordan Henderson's World Cup campaign was thrown into doubt after a freak injury during England's 3-2 victory over Mexico. The 36-year-old former Liverpool captain was stretchered off the pitch and given oxygen after landing awkwardly while climbing over advertising hoardings during the celebrations. He was rushed to a hospital in Mexico City, and it remains unclear if his tournament is over.
Early Life and Parents' Divorce
Born and raised in Sunderland, Henderson joined Sunderland's academy at age eight. In his 2022 autobiography, he reflected on his parents' divorce when he was six, describing it as a pivotal moment that drove him to succeed. "I don't know where my determination to be a footballer came from," he wrote. "I do know that I buried myself in football. Maybe a psychologist would say it was something to do with my mam and dad's divorce." He recalled seeing arguments he wished he hadn't, and found comfort staying with his grandmother Sheila. After the split, his father Brian moved to Washington, while Henderson lived with his mother Liz in Summerhill, visiting his father every other weekend. Liz later married Peter Conway, who supported Henderson's football aspirations.
Loss of Confidence as a Youth
Despite making history as the first England men's player to appear at four consecutive World Cups, Henderson's path nearly derailed due to growth problems after signing his first professional contract in 2008. Gerard McNamee, Sunderland's Head of Recruitment, told The Northern Echo: "He went through growth problems and lost a bit of confidence... there were questions asked about whether he would make the next step into full-time football." Sports scientists predicted he would develop, and he soon took off. Former Sunderland player Kevin Ball added: "He was infectious on those around him. Even in a race he knew he would lose, he would do everything to win it."
Marriage and Children
Henderson met his wife Rebecca Burnett as teenagers, and they married in 2014. Their eldest daughter Elexa was born that year, which Henderson called "the best day of my life." Their second daughter Alba arrived in 2015, and Henderson rushed from the birth to play in an FA Cup quarter-final, securing a 1-0 win. Then-manager Brendan Rodgers praised his commitment: "Some players would have missed the match. But he said to me, 'Boss, as soon as the baby is out, I will be coming back!'" Their son was born in February 2020, though his name has been kept private.
Father's Cancer Battle
In 2013, Henderson's father Brian was diagnosed with mouth and throat cancer after doctors found a large tumour at the back of his tongue. Brian made a full recovery but endured a difficult 10-month period where he hid from his family. "I didn't take to the radiotherapy very well," Brian told the Mirror. "My hair was burnt off at the back, I had major burns on my face... I didn't see anyone. I refused to see anyone because of the way I looked for 10 months to a year." After Liverpool's 2019 Champions League final win, father and son shared an emotional embrace that was captured on camera. Brian recalled: "I had no idea until I turned and then I just heard this click, click, click of all the cameras going... I was just so proud of him."
Death Threats and Online Abuse
In June 2021, Henderson revealed on BBC Radio 5 Live that his family had received death threats following poor team performances. Partnering with anti-bullying organisation CyberSmile, he said: "You can deal with stuff that's being said about you, but when it's about somebody close to you... When family does get involved, and there's death threats flying about, I'd say that's probably the most difficult."
