Football was united in grief as legendary striker and manager Mark Hughes said a final goodbye to his beloved son, Alex Hughes, during an emotional funeral service attended by some of the sport’s most respected figures.
The 62-year-old former Manchester United, Blackburn Rovers and Wales star was seen carrying the coffin of his son, who died suddenly and unexpectedly on June 19 at the age of 38. The heartbreaking moment unfolded at St Peter’s Church in Prestbury, Cheshire, where family, friends and football icons gathered to pay their respects.
Among those attending were former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, along with Bryan Robson, Ryan Giggs, Martin Edwards, Mike Phelan, Martin Keown and Jon Walters. Representatives from Grimsby Town, where Alex had most recently worked as Head of Player Recruitment, also attended to honor a man widely admired throughout the football community.
Walking closely behind the coffin was Alex’s wife, Jess, his childhood sweetheart whom he had known since their school days more than two decades ago. She was joined by their two young sons, Sebastian and Leonardo, as loved ones gathered to celebrate Alex’s life.
A Moving Tribute to a Devoted Father
One of the most emotional moments of the service came when Alex’s father-in-law, David Pollock, delivered a heartfelt eulogy reflecting on the love Alex had for his family.
Speaking directly to Alex’s two sons, he described how proud their father would always be of them.
“He’s so proud of your determination, he’s so proud of your passion,” David said.
“He will always be watching you in spirit—watching you score goals, watching you make tackles with every game. And when you look up and do your celebrations, which I know you’ve been doing already, he’ll be watching over you, high in the sky.”
His touching words left many mourners visibly emotional.
“I Support My Dad”
Alex’s younger brother Curtis also shared an emotional tribute, recalling their close bond and the role Alex played throughout his life.
“Being best man wasn’t something Alex did for a day—it was who he was,” Curtis said.
“Some people fill a room with noise. Alex filled it with warmth, loyalty and kindness.”
He also shared a deeply personal story about finding comfort after Alex’s passing, saying that just two days after saying goodbye, a bee flew directly into him while he was working.
“In that moment, I just knew it was Alex doing his best to annoy me just one more time.”
David later reflected on Alex’s lifelong love of football, explaining that the sport had been part of his son’s life from the very beginning.
“As a toddler, he’d go to sleep holding his football,” he said.
“He loved playing football, talking football and coaching football. His knowledge and understanding of the game was amazing.”
Although Alex had brief playing spells with Stockport County and Wrexham, he found his calling behind the scenes. He began working alongside his father at Blackburn Rovers as a performance analyst in 2007 before building a respected career in recruitment and scouting, eventually becoming Head of Player Recruitment at Grimsby Town.
David revealed that Alex had been excited about the club’s plans for the upcoming season and said Grimsby would dedicate their first match of the new campaign to his memory.
“Once a Mariner, always a Mariner,” he said.
Perhaps the most touching story of all came when David revealed what Alex would always say whenever people asked which football club he supported.
Despite his father’s legendary Manchester United career, Alex never gave the answer many expected.
“He always said the same thing,” David recalled.
“‘I support my dad.'”
A Parent’s Final Goodbye
The funeral concluded with a deeply moving written tribute from Mark Hughes and his wife, Jill.
“Alex, thank you for giving us the privilege of being your mum and dad.”
“Thank you for every smile, every laugh, every hug, every precious memory.”
“You were, and always will be, our perfect son.”
“We love you beyond words. We always have and we always will.”
As mourners left the church, it was clear the service had become more than a farewell—it was a celebration of a man remembered not only for his love of football, but for the kindness, loyalty and devotion he showed to everyone fortunate enough to know him.
