Craig Kirby: The 50-Year-Old Footballer Inspiring Many Online

Craig Kirby, a 50-year-old footballer from Rochdale, has gained significant attention on social media, particularly TikTok, where his videos have amassed millions of views. His latest video, showcasing his skills during an amateur match, has garnered over 340,000 views, while a previous compilation has reached 2.9 million views.

After the tragic loss of his son, Kirby contemplated quitting football but was encouraged by his wife to continue playing and share his journey online. His TikTok profile, 'Football at 50', has attracted around 30,000 followers on both TikTok and Instagram, where he shares clips of his matches and training sessions.

Kirby, who has a background in football trials with clubs like Blackburn Rovers, now plays for Vauxhall Motors in the Cheshire Veterans League Premier Division. He has also been called up to represent England's over-50s team. Kirby emphasizes the importance of enjoying football at any age and aims to inspire others to remain active, especially in light of his personal experiences with grief and mental health.