Elliot Anderson's Heartfelt Tribute to Late Mother Amid Nottingham Forest's Europa Success
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson posted a touching tribute to his mother, Helen, who sadly passed away this week. The 23-year-old was absent during Forest’s victory over Porto in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday, with the club announcing the somber news just before kick-off. A club statement expressed: “Everyone at Nottingham Forest Football Club extends its deepest condolences to Elliot and his family following this extremely sad news. Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with the Anderson family at this difficult time.” The following day, Anderson shared a gallery of family photos on social media, writing: “Mum, you are the most special person I could have ever met. Laughing, smiling and dancing through every day giving us all such joy and happiness.” “You fought so hard for the past year with huge strength and resilience. The determination you have shown made me so unbelievably proud.” “I know you are looking down on us and watching everything we do. You are my biggest motivation. Rest in peace mum. Love you so much.” Numerous teammates, including Morgan Gibbs-White, offered their condolences. Gibbs-White scored the only goal of the match, securing Forest’s progress into the semi-finals and celebrated by holding up an Anderson shirt that read: “Family first, we are all with you.” In an emotional post-match interview, Gibbs-White shared, “It's a big shame, he's an incredible kid and no one deserves this but we're all with him.” With a 2-1 aggregate win, Nottingham Forest advances to their first European semi-final in 42 years, where they will face Aston Villa.
Source: The Independent Sport - 2026-04-17