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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>England international a hero to young followers</li><li>Remains a talismanic presence for club &amp; country</li><li>Making memories for potential stars of tomorrow</li></ul>

VIDEO: Fran Kirby, that's brilliant! Chelsea and Lionesses star gifts boots to young fan holding special sign after WSL victory over Man Utd

Women's Champions League

Chelsea FC Women

Celtic

Friendlies

England

The England international lined up against Manchester United in her latest appearance, with a <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lauren-james-shows-chelsea-men-how-done-lionesses-star-stamford-bridge-seasonal-scoring-record-wsl-man-utd/blt629f79932d3d9a8f" target="_blank">Lauren James hat-trick helping the Blues to a 3-1 victory</a> in that contest – which took place at Stamford Bridge and has kept Emma Hayes’ side top of the WSL table.

WHAT HAPPENED?

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A moment this young fan will never forget, thanks to Super <a href="https://twitter.com/frankirby?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FranKirby</a>. 💙 <a href="https://t.co/TilJMOoU7j">pic.twitter.com/TilJMOoU7j</a>— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFCW/status/1749099282081501596?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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WATCH THE CLIP

Kirby is <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/fran-kirby-return-england-chelsea-sam-kerr/blt4c21f5609e6b63b0" target="_blank">a popular figure in west London</a>, having <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/called-fat-lionesses-fran-kirby-body-shaming-womens-game-chelsea-england-alessia-russo/blt01f6b5b2696e63fc" target="_blank">helped the Lionesses to Euro 2022 glory</a> and her domestic employers to 13 trophies since linking up with the Blues in 2015. She boasts a loyal legion of followers, with many of those hoping to one day follow in her illustrious footsteps.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Kirby made special memories for one of those supporters following Chelsea’s victory over United. Having spotted a sign in the crowd which read 'Fran Kirby you’re the reason I play football', the 30-year-old playmaker made a point of presenting the youngster in question with her match boots while also posing for a photo.

DID YOU KNOW?

Chelsea will be back in action on Wednesday when their attention shifts from domestic matters to continental affairs, with Real Madrid due in England for a heavyweight Champions League group stage encounter.

WHAT NEXT FOR KIRBY & CHELSEA?

VIDEO: Fran Kirby, that's brilliant! Chelsea and Lionesses star gifts boots to young fan holding special sign after WSL victory over Man Utd | Goal.com

Fran Kirby continues to show why she is a source of inspiration, with the Chelsea star gifting her boots to a young fan holding a special sign.