Micah Richards learned of dad's death 'not long' before going on BBC for England vs Argentina
Micah Richards continued with his 2026 FIFA World Cup punditry duties for the BBC on Wednesday (15.07.26) despite learning that his dad, Lincoln, died "not long" before he went on the air.
Micah Richards learned of his dad's sudden death "not long" before he went live on air for the BBC's coverage of England's World Cup semi-final match against Argentina.
The former England defender, 38, put on a brave face as he carried on with his punditry duties alongside ex-footballers Wayne Rooney, 40, and Joe Hart, 39, from Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday (15.07.26) after learning about Lincoln's passing.
Micah penned an emotional tribute to his dad on Instagram, shortly after the BBC's coverage of the Three Lions' 2-1 loss to Argentina ended.
He posted a shot of him as a child with Lincoln with the caption: "Not long before going on air today, I received the awful news that my father Lincoln had passed away. His death was unexpected, and he has left us all too soon.
"He was my greatest fan. He barely missed a game my entire life. He would take me wherever I needed to go when I was a kid and he was the proudest parent possible during my professional career. It was so rare for him to not be by my side. (sic)"
Despite the heartbreak, Micah went on the air because he knew that is what his dad would have wanted.
He said: "I know how much watching England World Cup games means to everyone at home, and how the experience bonds families together across the generations, like nothing else.
"I know, particularly as a proud old-school Yorkshireman, dad would’ve wanted the show to go on this evening. And so it did. (sic)"
Micah concluded: "Thinking of my siblings and all my wider family today as we remember my father Lincoln, my hero and inspiration. (sic)"
The ex-Manchester City player's fellow pundits expressed their condolences in the post's comments section.
Joe Hart penned: "Sending love Meeks … here for you all . RIP Lincoln. (sic)"
Karen Carney, 38, typed: "Thinking of you and your family."
Meanwhile, sports presenter Kelly Somers, 35, wrote: "He would be so proud of you, sending you and your family so much love x (sic)."
Micah's fans praised him for continuing to work despite Lincoln's death, as one commented: "To carry on in professionalism whilst in emotional pain takes a level of class and control few would have the strength to maintain, you did so with class and respect for yourself and your family. Your Dad will be proud.
"May he rest easy xxx (sic)."
A second supporter said: "Held it down on punditry despite this… some soldier you are Micah. Thoughts and prayers with you and your family brother (sic)."
And a third follower replied: "So sorry for your loss Micah. I met your father watching you at a City reserve game. I thought I was your biggest fan but nobody could come close to your father.
"He was so proud of you and was delighted that I wanted you to sign a photo I'd had taken with you at the training ground.
"That pride would have been greater than ever last night watching you keeping the show going.
"Sending all the love to you and your family (sic)."
