Walthamstow football captain Callum Ibe’s recovery fund has received significant support following a serious injury sustained during a pre-season friendly. The 31-year-old midfielder ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in last weekend’s match against Broadbridge Heath, leaving him sidelined just 13 games short of becoming Walthamstow’s all-time record appearance holder in the Isthmian North division.

In response to Ibe’s injury, Walthamstow manager Max Mitchell quickly launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover the costs of his treatment and rehabilitation. The fundraiser drew widespread attention, most notably securing a £1,500 donation from Manchester City and England international Jack Grealish.

Grealish, 30, a prominent Premier League figure, transferred from Aston Villa to Manchester City in 2021 for a then-record £100 million fee for an English player. Since joining City, he has contributed to three Premier League titles and a Champions League win. He has also earned 39 caps for England, including appearances at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and spent last season on loan at Everton.

Andy Perkins, president of Walthamstow Football Club, expressed gratitude for Grealish’s contribution, emphasizing the often overlooked financial challenges faced by semi-professional players like Ibe. “Callum is self-employed and is facing months of not being able to work, let alone play,” Perkins said. “Max decided to set up a crowdfunder to help him get treatment he needs to return to work and hopefully play those 13 games.”

Perkins added that Grealish’s donation was the largest received so far and that the club was uncertain how the Manchester City star came to know about Ibe’s situation. “Everyone at the club was touched by Jack’s contribution,” he said. The crowdfunding effort continues as supporters rally behind Ibe’s path to recovery.