My Everton #179: Loyalty & Love From Namibia

My love for Everton began when I was just eight years old. 

At that age, football was more than just a game to me; it was something that brought me happiness, excitement and dreams. 

Wayne Rooney was my favourite player and my biggest inspiration. He was not just a footballer I admired; he was someone I looked up to. In fact, when we played football in my village, my friends would call me "Rooney" because of how much I admired him and wanted to play like him.

When Rooney eventually moved to Manchester United, I found myself facing a difficult decision. Naturally, I wanted to follow him because he was my role model. 

I thought about becoming a Manchester United supporter, but something inside me would not allow it. No matter how much I admired Rooney, my heart still belonged to Everton. 

I realised my connection with the Club was much deeper than supporting a single player. It was a love that had already taken root in my heart.

Then came another special moment in my Everton journey. When Jordan Pickford joined the club in 2017, I was also transitioning into playing as a goalkeeper.  

Watching him defend the goal inspired me in a new way. I saw in him someone I could learn from, someone who motivated me to become a better goalkeeper and strengthened my love for Everton. 

From that moment, I became even more certain that Everton was my club, and I was proud to call myself a true Evertonian.

Being an Everton supporter in Namibia is not always easy. 

We are few, and sometimes it feels like we are a rare breed. As far as I know, I have only met two other Everton supporters here, including my girlfriend, who is also an Evertonian.

Most of my friends often ask: "Bro, why do you support Everton?" 

But my answer has always been simple: I support Everton because my love for this club is all about loyalty, passion, and the memories that have shaped who I am.

For me, Everton is more than just a football club. It is part of my childhood, part of my identity, and part of my story. From an eight-year-old boy who admired Wayne Rooney to the young man I am today, my love for this club has remained unchanged. 

Every match, every goal, every victory, and even every heartbreak has added another chapter to my journey as an Evertonian.

I may be thousands of kilometres away, but my heart has always been with Everton.

Geography cannot weaken a love that has lasted for more than a decade, and difficult seasons cannot erase the memories that made me fall in love with this beautiful club.

I am proud to be an Evertonian.

I was there in the good times, I've been here in the difficult times and I will be here when the glory returns. Because once Everton gets into your heart, it never truly leaves. 

Everton Forever. 

By Isiah Immanuel, Evertonian

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My Everton shares first-hand accounts describing the most-treasured memories of fans, players, and staff both past and present. 

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