Liverpool took the field against Crystal Palace missing a key player: Ryan Gravenberch. Shortly before kickoff at the 2025 FA Community Shield, manager Arne Slot revealed the reason behind the Dutch’s absence.
“Ryan Gravenberch is out just because last night he became a dad,” said Slot, as quoted by journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Gravenberch made 37 starts for the Reds in the Premier League last season, playing an instrumental role in the road to the title. Therefore, fans will always be surprised whenever they don’t see him on the field.
Gravenberch’s trophy cabinet at Liverpool
Gravenberch, 23, has been with the Reds since 2023, when the club forked out €40 million to get him from Bayern Munich. In two years with Liverpool, the midfielder has already celebrated two titles.
In 2024, he was part of the team that secured the League Cup. The following season, Gravenberch lifted the Premier League trophy in a memorable campaign for the Merseyside squad.
This time, the Dutchman will be rooting for his teammates from afar in Liverpool’s first official game of the 2025-26 season against Crystal Palace while enjoying an unforgettable moment for him and his family.