As all of England held its breath before the 2026 World Cup semi-final against Argentina, Micah Richards faced one of the most painful moments of his life. The former Manchester City defender, now a star pundit for the BBC, learned just moments before going on air about the sudden passing of his father, Lincoln. Despite this immense challenge, he chose to fulfill his role on air, a gesture that stirred deep emotions.
This tragedy comes just days after another heartbreaking event that shook the World Cup. On July 11, South African football mourned the loss of Jayden Adams, an international player for the Bafana Bafana who participated in the tournament. Now, it’s Micah Richards’ family that is going through a particularly tough time with the loss of someone who played a central role in his life.
At 38 years old, Micah Richards shared the news through a message on his social media, accompanied by a family photo. The former England international, who has 13 caps with the Three Lions, explained that he learned of his father’s passing just before the show dedicated to the clash between England and Argentina began.
“Just before the start of today’s show, I received the terrible news of my father, Lincoln’s, passing. His death was unexpected, and he left us far too soon.”
Messages of support quickly flooded in. Many former players, journalists, fans, and figures from English football sent their condolences to the ex-Manchester City defender, praising his courage to honor his professional commitment despite the pain he had just endured.
In his tribute, Richards described his father as the person who always believed in him. He recalled how Lincoln supported him throughout his journey, from his early steps in football to his career at the highest level. Present in the stands for the vast majority of his matches, he represented much more than just a parent: a constant support and a true source of motivation.
“He was my biggest fan. He hardly ever missed a single one of my games throughout my life. When I was a kid, he took me everywhere I needed to go, and he was the proudest parent throughout my professional career. It was very rare for him not to be by my side.”
The former Manchester City player, now a key figure on BBC shows, also explained why he chose to stay in his role despite the heartbreaking news. According to him, his father would have wanted him to continue his work and support the English fans during this major World Cup event.
🚨 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Micah Richards learned that his father, Lincoln, had unexpectedly passed away shortly before going live on the BBC for England vs Argentina.
Richards still completed the broadcast, saying his father would have wanted “the show to go on”.
“He was my greatest fan. He… pic.twitter.com/yrHl1eFInI
“I know how much watching England matches in the World Cup means to everyone at home, and how this experience brings families together across generations, like nothing else does. I know, as a proud old-school Yorkshireman, that dad would have wanted the show to go on tonight. And that’s what happened.”
On set alongside Wayne Rooney and Joe Hart, Micah Richards found the strength to fulfill his mission despite his immense grief. His attitude deeply touched viewers and the football world, who unanimously honor the memory of Lincoln Richards and send their heartfelt thoughts to his family during this particularly challenging time.
