Humza Yousaf poses for photo with ‘childhood hero’ Celtic legend Henrik Larsson

Humza Yousaf, the former first minister, recently had the opportunity to meet his “childhood hero,” Celtic legend Henrik Larsson. The meeting took place on Thursday night and Yousaf expressed his delight at meeting the iconic footballer. He rejected the notion that meeting one’s heroes leads to disappointment and instead found Larsson to be a “lovely gent, generous, thoughtful, and full of humility.” The MSP for Glasgow Pollok shared his excitement on Twitter, thanking Larsson for the memories.

Yousaf has been vocal about his support for Celtic FC, stating that he has been a fan of the club since he was just six years old. Despite his role in politics, Yousaf did not shy away from his allegiance to the team, acknowledging that it would be insincere to pretend otherwise. Larsson, known as one of the best-ever Celtic players, enjoyed a successful career with the club from 1997 to 2004, winning four league titles and scoring 242 goals in 313 matches, including a memorable performance in the 2003 UEFA Cup Final. Following his time at Celtic, Larsson went on to play for Barcelona, where he continued to shine on the pitch.

Yousaf served as the first minister from March 2023 until this year and has been an MSP since 2011. His admiration for Henrik Larsson reflects his passion for football and the profound impact sports icons can have on individuals.

In summary, the meeting between Humza Yousaf and Henrik Larsson highlights the enduring influence of sports heroes on fans, transcending generations and occupying a special place in the hearts of individuals. Yousaf’s genuine admiration for Larsson exemplifies the power of sports to inspire and unite people, showcasing the profound connections forged through shared passion for the game.