Joel Matip was a fan favourite at Liverpool due in part to his innocent nature, but it also landed him in a few sticky situations. The former Reds defender was hugely popular during his time on Merseyside, helping the club to win Premier League and Champions League titles.
The 33-year-old achieved cult hero status at Anfield and was loved for his personality as much as his defending on the pitch. He was known for his infectious positivity and kind-hearted nature, which left him red-faced at Euro 2024.
Matip attended England's opening game of the tournament as a guest of Joe Gomez at the home of his former club Schalke. While sitting in the stands, he unknowingly posed for a picture with OnlyFans star Leah Ray which was shared on social media.
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Posting the picture on her X account, Ray wrote: "Got this guy's number last night at the game, said that he plays for Liverpool. Is this true guys?" She was soon bombarded with Liverpool fans defending Matip's innocent nature under the post, which gained millions of views.
During his time at Liverpool, Matip was involved in some iconic victories including the brilliant comeback win against Barcelona in 2019. The Reds overturned a huge aggregate deficit with a 4-0 victory at Anfield to book their place in the Champions League final.
Matip was called in for a doping test after the final whistle, where he had an awkward meeting with Messi while his team-mates were celebrating in the dressing room.
He recalled to 11Freunde: "When I came into the doping test room, there was a guy sitting there pretty depressed, Lionel Messi.
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“You know each other from the pitch, but it's not like you sit around with them every day in a small room like you're getting coffee. Everyone is celebrating and I'm sitting in a cubicle with Messi."
Matip ended up making over 200 appearances for Liverpool before announcing his retirement last week. Jurgen Klopp paid a heartfelt tribute to the defender when his Anfield exit was confirmed at the end of last season.
"In all the years that I have been involved in football, I am not sure I have come across too many players who are more loved than Joel Matip," said Klopp.
"I’m not even sure it would be possible to say anything bad about him. A wonderful professional, a wonderful footballer and a wonderful human being. We have been blessed to have him."
