Sometimes, it’s the smallest gestures that leave the biggest impact. In an emotional moment off the pitch, Liverpool players took time out to visit Archie White, a devoted Wrexham fan, currently in a hospital battling a rare form of cancer. This heartfelt act of kindness by the Reds brought smiles to Archie’s face during one of the toughest phases of his young life. What really touched hearts was the ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary received surprising support from Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk.

But it’s not just their soccer that’s been winning hearts. Acts like visiting Archie showcase the team’s compassion and sense of responsibility beyond the game. Isn’t it amazing to see such acts from sports stars we admire? However inside the pitch this season hasn’t been an easy ride for Liverpool either, but they’ve managed to shine both on and off the pitch. Sitting at the top of the table, five points clear of Chelsea, players like Mohamed Salah and Van Dijk have been instrumental in keeping Liverpool at the summit.

It was a day full of smiles and surprises when Liverpool’s star players visited Alder Hey Children’s Hospital for their Christmas festive meet and greet. Among the patients was 12-year-old Archie White, a brave youngster battling a rare form of cancer called myeloid sarcoma. Despite being in the heart of Liverpool, Archie’s room was a proud display of his loyalty to Wrexham, with flags and shirts adorning his bed.

As Curtis Jones, Diogo Jota, and Mo Salah walked into his room, they couldn’t help but notice the sea of red and white—but not Liverpool’s. “We’ve got a big job on our hands of trying to make you a fan of us, haven’t we?” Jones joked, sparking laughter from everyone in the room. Archie, though nervous at first, soon warmed up to his visitors. He later shared, “I was nervous, but had a very, very good time. I enjoyed it.”

The highlight of his day? Spending time with Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, who made Archie’s experience even more special by chatting with his friends on Snapchat. Interestingly one more thing caught the attention when Van Dijk revealed he’s a fan of ‘Welcome to Wrexham’, the popular documentary showcasing the rise of Archie’s favorite club under the ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. “He made a couple videos with Virgil, who was fab! He said he loved the Welcome to Wrexham doc and the other players were trying so hard to persuade Archie to be one of their reds!”

Archie’s mum, Sarah even took to social media to express her gratitude, saying, “I can’t thank Alder Hey enough for going out their way to make it special for Archie – he had great banter with them and proudly told them who he supported.” For Archie, it was a day filled with unforgettable memories. Though Liverpool couldn’t win him over as a fan, their visit left a lasting impact on his road to recovery.

The 12-year-old has received an outpouring of support from the club since his diagnosis. However, did you know this is not the first time that professional soccer players have paid a visit to Archie? But do you know who was it?

Wrexham’s star man takes time off the pitch to visit a young fan, Archie White

For 12-year-old Archie White, a devoted Wrexham fan battling myeloid sarcoma, this year has been filled with challenges—but also some incredible moments of kindness. Where he has received unwavering support from the club after his diagnosis. One particularly heartwarming memory came last month when Wrexham’s star striker, Ollie Palmer, made a surprise visit to his hospital room.

Palmer, moved by Archie’s bravery, spent hours by his bedside. Together, they played video games and shared laughs, and the striker also gifted Archie a signed shirt, a token of encouragement during his difficult journey. The surprises didn’t stop there. Palmer went the extra mile by calling Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney for a video chat with Archie. Do you agree with me that moments like these remind us that soccer is more than just a game?

Meanwhile, soccer action continues this week, with Liverpool gearing up for their EFL Carabao Cup quarterfinal away match against Southampton on Thursday. Wrexham, on the other hand, will take on Bristol Rovers in an away League One fixture on Saturday.