“Family first! Alexis Mac Allister misses Liverpool vs Newcastle to welcome baby boy with partner — but don’t worry, he promises to ‘score’ as a dad before he returns to the pitch! 👶⚽”

Liverpool are missing Mac Allister for today’s game, but fans are rejoicing with him as his new family welcomes the cutest addition yet.

Family First! Alexis Mac Allister Misses Liverpool vs Newcastle to Welcome Baby Boy

In a heartwarming turn of events, Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister was absent from the Reds’ high-stakes Premier League clash against Newcastle United on August 25, 2025, at St. James’ Park. The reason? A joyous one: the birth of his first child, a baby boy, with his partner Ailen Cova. While Liverpool fans may have felt the sting of his absence on the pitch, the Anfield faithful have rallied behind their star player, celebrating his new role as a father and his commitment to putting family first. Mac Allister, ever the professional, has promised to “score” as a dad before making his return to the pitch, and fans are already buzzing with excitement for both his personal milestone and his eventual comeback.

A New Chapter for Mac Allister

Alexis Mac Allister, the 26-year-old Argentine World Cup winner, has been a cornerstone of Liverpool’s midfield since joining from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer of 2023 for a bargain £35 million. Known for his versatility, vision, and composure, Mac Allister has won the hearts of Liverpool fans with his performances, including 14 goals and 14 assists in 97 appearances for the club. His contributions were instrumental in Liverpool’s Premier League and Carabao Cup triumphs, cementing his status as a key figure under manager Arne Slot.

However, on the eve of the Newcastle match, speculation swirled when Mac Allister was not spotted with Liverpool’s 21-man squad arriving at their hotel in Tyneside. Initial concerns about a possible injury were quickly dispelled as reports emerged that his absence was due to a personal milestone: the impending arrival of his first child. Social media posts from fans and media outlets alike pointed to Ailen Cova’s pregnancy, which the couple had announced earlier in the year with an emotional Instagram video. The video captured Mac Allister’s excitement and Cova’s tears of joy as they shared the news with friends and family, including Mac Allister’s brother, Kevin, a professional footballer.

Putting Family First

Mac Allister’s decision to prioritize the birth of his son over the Newcastle match has resonated deeply with fans and pundits. In a sport often defined by relentless schedules and high-pressure performances, his choice to be by his partner’s side during this life-changing moment underscores the importance of balance and perspective. Liverpool manager Arne Slot, known for his empathetic approach, supported Mac Allister’s absence, drawing parallels to teammate Ryan Gravenberch, who missed the Community Shield earlier in the season to welcome his own child. Slot’s understanding reflects a growing trend in football where personal milestones are respected alongside professional commitments.

The announcement of the baby’s arrival came via a heartfelt Instagram post from Mac Allister and Cova, who shared their joy with the caption, “I love them with all my heart.” The post included a glimpse of the newborn, with fans flooding the comments with messages of congratulations. Liverpool’s official X account also joined the celebration, posting, “Congrats, Alexis! Welcome to the Reds family, little one! 👶🔴” The outpouring of support from teammates, including Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, further highlighted the tight-knit bond within the Liverpool squad, which Mac Allister himself described as a “genuine brotherhood” in a recent Players’ Tribune article.

The Impact on Liverpool’s Lineup

On the pitch, Mac Allister’s absence posed a challenge for Liverpool, who were already dealing with injuries to key players like right-back Jeremie Frimpong. With Ryan Gravenberch returning from suspension, Slot opted to deploy Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai in midfield, with Szoboszlai even filling in at right-back due to the team’s injury woes. Despite the makeshift lineup, Liverpool secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Newcastle, with goals from Florian Wirtz, Mohamed Salah, and new signing Hugo Ekitike. The result kept Liverpool’s early-season momentum alive as they aim to defend their Premier League title.

While Mac Allister’s absence was felt—his ability to control the tempo and link play is unmatched in Liverpool’s midfield—his teammates stepped up admirably. Slot later addressed the situation, noting that Mac Allister’s limited pre-season due to a prior injury had already required careful management of his workload. “He’s a key player for us, but family comes first,” Slot said in a post-match press conference. “We expect him back soon, and he’ll be raring to go.” The manager’s comments reassured fans that Mac Allister’s absence was temporary and that his focus on fatherhood would only enhance his drive when he returns.

A Father’s Promise

Mac Allister’s journey to this moment has been one of resilience and growth. In his Players’ Tribune piece, he reflected on the challenges he faced early in his career, including a difficult adjustment to life in England during his time at Brighton. “I was calling my mom on FaceTime every day, asking how to turn on the oven,” he wrote, highlighting his vulnerability as a young player far from home. Now, as a Premier League champion and soon-to-be Copa América champion, Mac Allister is embracing fatherhood with the same determination that has defined his career.

In a lighthearted message to fans, Mac Allister quipped that he plans to “score” as a dad before returning to the pitch. The comment, shared via his Instagram story, drew chuckles and admiration from supporters who appreciate his sense of humor and grounded personality. For a player who has already achieved so much—lifting the World Cup with Argentina in 2022 and the Premier League with Liverpool in 2025—fatherhood represents a new kind of victory, one that transcends trophies and accolades.

Fans and Teammates Rally Behind Mac Allister

The Liverpool fanbase, known for its passionate support, has embraced Mac Allister’s new chapter with open arms. Social media platforms like X have been abuzz with messages of support, with fans posting messages like, “Family first, Alexis! Congrats on the little Red! ❤️” and “Can’t wait to see you back on the pitch, but enjoy this moment!” The sentiment reflects the deep connection between Mac Allister and the Liverpool community, who see him not just as a player but as a person navigating life’s biggest moments.

Teammates have also been quick to celebrate. Ryan Gravenberch, who recently became a father himself, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram: “Welcome to the dad club, mate! You’re going to love it.” The camaraderie among Liverpool’s players, forged through last season’s title-winning campaign and shared personal milestones, has only strengthened the team’s unity. Mac Allister’s reflections on the loss of former teammate Diogo Jota and the departures of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez further underscore the emotional depth of this squad, which he describes as a “family” in its own right.

Looking Ahead

As Mac Allister prepares to return to action, likely for Liverpool’s next match against Burnley on September 14, 2025, fans are eager to see him back in the No. 10 shirt. His ability to dictate play and deliver in big moments will be crucial as Liverpool face a demanding schedule, including a clash against Arsenal and upcoming Champions League fixtures. Slot’s careful management of Mac Allister’s fitness, combined with his renewed motivation as a father, suggests the midfielder will return stronger than ever.

In the meantime, Mac Allister is savoring his new role as a dad, balancing the demands of professional football with the joys of family life. His story is a reminder that even in the high-pressure world of the Premier League, there are moments that matter more than the game. As he prepares to juggle fatherhood and football, Mac Allister’s promise to “score” as a dad resonates as a testament to his priorities and his heart—both on and off the pitch.

For Liverpool fans, the wait for Mac Allister’s return is tempered by the joy of his growing family. The Reds’ midfield maestro may have missed the Newcastle match, but he’s already winning at life’s most important game. Congratulations, Alexis and Ailen, on your new bundle of joy! 🔴👶