04 June 2024 , 17:37
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Footballer star Steven Gerrard's daughter Lilly-Ella has been dating the son of an alleged mobster.
Steven marked his 44th birthday and amongst the well-wishers were a number of high-profile friends. His eldest daughter issued a heartfelt birthday message, that he proudly reshared on his social media. In the emotional tribute, she penned: "Happy Birthday to the best dad in the world! You have the best heart. I love you so much. Thank you for everything. Have a boss day."
But aside from her loving words, who is Lilly-Ella and the man she's romantically linked with? Lilly-Ella has amassed quite the online following - boasting 211,000 fans on Instagram and a further 73,000 on TikTok. Her latest share sees her showing off her moves in a dance routine choreographed to Katy Perry's Teenage Dream; a post made even sweeter as she had turned 20 just a few months prior.
Lilly-Ella has been dating Lee for two years (Instagram)
Lilly-Ella is Steven's eldest daughter (WireImage)Her famous dad, who now manages Saudi side Al-Ettifaq, gave her one heartwarming birthday wish: "I hope your day is special like you are to me." Frequently sharing snapshots from her opulent lifestyle, Lilly-Ella has documented her travels to glamorous getaways including Dubai, Bahrain, and Ibiza.
In a candid revelation, she told fans she's "such an old woman" as she cherishes her quiet mornings watching daytime TV favourite, Lorraine. Lilly-Ela was revealed to be in a relationship back in October 2022 with Lee Byrne, who was 23 at the time. The couple had enjoyed a summer holiday together in Ibiza the previous year.
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Lee himself is not involved in any criminal activities. His dad, Dubliner Liam Byrne, 43, has been identified in court as the leader of the 'Byrne Organised Crime Group'. In February 2016, his brother, David Byrne, was gunned down in one of the most infamous gangland killings in Irish history.
The murder took place inside the Regency Hotel and marked a pivotal moment in the brutal Hutch-Kinahan mob feud, which resulted in 18 deaths. Gerrard has been spotted interacting with the alleged associate of Daniel Kinahan as footage from 2022 shows him conversing with his daughter's boyfriend's father.
Liam Byrne is dad to Lee, who is dating Lilly-Ella (National Crime Agency)In the video, a cheerful Byrne is seen sitting next to Gerrard, who is on a video call offering to take a Liverpool fan to 'see the Reds'. Byrne, a convicted armed robber, was arrested by Spanish police in June last year following the issuance of a UK extradition warrant. The UK's National Crime Agency has identified him as a suspected member of the Kinahan cartel.
Earlier this year, he was arrested via video link from HMP Belmarsh on charges related to a weapons plot. He and his brother-in-law, Thomas Kavanagh, pleaded not guilty to firearms and conspiracy charges. Their trial is scheduled for September. Lee has been utterly smitten with Lilly-Ella, once gushing that she's "the best person he's ever met".
Two years on and their love is still in full bloom, with Lilly-Ella posting a cosy snap this January captioned: "Best friend. Happy new year." Fans were quick to react, with one commenting: "Now I realise that there are more beautiful things in life than Gerrard's goals." Another chimed in: "What a gorgeous photo of a beautiful couple." It seems Lee has also charmed his way into the football legend's good books, as Gerrard himself posted last year: "Happy birthday mate, have a boss day."