Craig Kirby inspires as 50-year-old amateur footballer goes viral
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 29, 2026, 5:30 AM
Last updated Aug 29, 2026
Craig Kirby, a 50-year-old amateur footballer from Rochdale, is gaining online fame through TikTok videos showcasing his matches. After facing the loss of his son, Kirby considered quitting football but continued playing, encouraged by his wife, leading to significant viewership of his highlights. His profile, 'Football at 50', has garnered over 2.9 million views on one video alone. Kirby plays in the Cheshire Veterans League Premier Division for Vauxhall Motors, interacting with former professional players and fostering a positive community around late-life athletics.
- •Kirby posts match highlights and training videos on TikTok and Instagram.
- •He experienced a surge in popularity after his football clips went viral.
- •Kirby currently plays for Vauxhall Motors and competes in the Cheshire Veterans League.
- •He emphasizes the importance of enjoyment in football for all ages.
- •Kirby aims to inspire others to pursue sports regardless of age.
- 5:30 AMYahoo Sports — The 50-year-old amateur footballer who became a viral inspiration
- 5:30 AMBBC Sport — The 50-year-old amateur footballer who became a viral inspiration
"Craig Kirby thought about quitting football following the death of his son - at 50, he didn't expect to go viral documenting his final season.
"Craig Kirby thought about quitting football following the death of his son - at 50, he didn't expect to go viral documenting his final season.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 29, 2026, 5:30 AMThe 50-year-old amateur footballer who became a viral inspiration
Craig Kirby thought about quitting football following the death of his son - at 50, he didn't expect to go viral documenting his final season.
- BBC SportAug 29, 2026, 5:30 AMThe 50-year-old amateur footballer who became a viral inspiration
Craig Kirby thought about quitting football following the death of his son - at 50, he didn't expect to go viral documenting his final season.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
Europa League•Aug 29, 2026, 7:08 AM🥐 Atleti without Julián, Raphinha's idea... Saturday's 5️⃣ stories
Bundesliga•Aug 29, 2026, 7:00 AM"We don't fear anybody" – How underdog Elversberg plan to survive the Bundesliga on their own terms
Bundesliga•Aug 29, 2026, 7:00 AMFrom FC Bayern trial to Liga Portugal: Estrela da Amadora seal Rodrigo Dudok loan
EPL•Aug 29, 2026, 6:58 AMChelsea agree front-of-shirt sponsorship with Circle Internet Group
Bundesliga•Aug 29, 2026, 6:49 AMHow tiny Bundesliga debutants SV Elversberg plan to unleash American Cole Campbell
EPL•Aug 29, 2026, 6:45 AMReal Madrid authorise 22-year-old midfielder’s exit as Almeria and Cadiz battle for €4 million transfer – report