Steven Gerrard had always been a fans' favourite at Liverpool but when he lifted the Champions League trophy in 2005 he went down in the history books as one of the club's true legends.
Gerrard was born and raised in Liverpool, and joined the Reds' academy aged only nine. He made his first team debut in 1998 and slowly established himself at the heart of midfield after some nervous early performances.
In 2000-01, he made 50 starts in all competitions and scored ten goals as Liverpool won the League Cup, FA Cup, and the 2001 UEFA Cup.
In 2004-05 he defined himself as one of the Liverpool's greatest midfielders, capable of winning matches seemingly single-handedly. Beset by injuries, and with Gerrard sidelined until late November, Liverpool were enduring a stuttering season under Rafa Benitez.
Facing elimination from the Champions League, Gerrard returned to score in the last five minutes of a Champions League group stage match against Olympiacos. Liverpool were in the knockout round and made their way into the semi-finals.
A titanic struggle against Jose Mourinho's Chelsea, with the "goal that never was" at Anfield, in front of possibly the most fervent European crowd in history, meant Liverpool FC would face AC Milan, dreaming of their fifth European Cup. At half time, it looked like the Merseysiders' dream was over, as they trailed 3-0 to a rampant Milan side.
Enter Steven Gerrard. In six second-half minutes he turned the game on its head, first opening the scoring then inspiring his side to two more goals. With the scores at 3-3 after extra time, Liverpool FC won the match on penalties, to record the greatest ever comeback in European Cup final history.
The following year, Gerrard was at it again, in the 2006 FA Cup final against West Ham. With only seconds remaining, the Hammers were leading 3-2, when up popped Gerrard to power home an equaliser from 30 yards and send the game into extra time. Once more, the game finished 3-3 after the extra half hour, and the Merseysiders won through on penalties.
Gerrard also enjoyed a distinguished international career for England. His opening goal in the 5-1 demolition of Germany is fondly remembered by English fans, and he captained his side proudly during the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa and Euro 2012 finals in Ukraine/Poland. He retired from international football after winning 114 caps and scoring 21 goals.
