Eighteen years after one of the FA Cup's greatest giant-killings, Liverpool and Barnsley are set to renew hostilities. The memory of Barnsley's stunning 2-1 victory at Anfield in 2008 still looms large, a result that humbled a Liverpool side packed with Champions League winners.
The Day the Tykes Tamed the Reds
On a memorable afternoon in February 2008, Championship side Barnsley travelled to Anfield and scripted a classic FA Cup upset. Despite Dirk Kuyt giving Liverpool an early lead, second-half goals from Stephen Foster and Brian Howard sealed a historic win for the visitors. Barnsley's hero was goalkeeper Luke Steele, who produced a series of incredible saves after being drafted in on an emergency loan from West Brom.
The defeat was a profound shock, coming just three years after Liverpool's iconic Champions League triumph in Istanbul. Rafa Benitez's team, which included Steven Gerrard on the bench, was left utterly embarrassed. As the two clubs prepare to meet in the 2026 third round, we look back at the Liverpool starting eleven from that day and reveal where football has taken them since.
From Anfield to Ambassadorial Roles
The Liverpool side was a mix of established stars and squad players. In goal was Charles Itandje, the Cameroonian international who is now, at 43, the goalkeeping coach for FC Versailles in France.
The heart of defence featured a legendary partnership. Sami Hyypia, the Finnish rock, has managed Bayer Leverkusen and Brighton but now serves as an official Liverpool ambassador and indulges his passion for motorsport. Alongside him, Jamie Carragher has become one of football's most prominent pundits, featuring regularly for Sky Sports and CBS.
At full-back were Steve Finnan and John Arne Riise. Riise has managed in Norway and remains a fixture on the Liverpool Legends circuit. Finnan, in contrast, moved into property development after retirement but has since faced significant financial and legal difficulties.
Midfield Maestros and Attacking Aces
The midfield that day was anchored by Xabi Alonso and Lucas Leiva. Alonso's journey has been spectacular, evolving from a world-class midfielder into the highly sought-after manager of Real Madrid, following a brilliant spell at Bayer Leverkusen. Lucas, sadly, was forced to retire in 2023 due to a heart condition and now enjoys a life away from the spotlight.
On the wings, Yossi Benayoun and Ryan Babel provided the width. Benayoun, a cult hero, later played for Chelsea and Arsenal before moving into football administration, most recently as sporting director for Israel. Babel only retired in late 2024 and has since built a large following as a social media influencer and fashion figure.
Up front, the towering Peter Crouch partnered goal-scorer Dirk Kuyt. Crouch has transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting, hosting a hit podcast and appearing as a regular pundit for TNT Sports. Kuyt has pursued a coaching career, with his latest role being head coach of Dutch side FC Dordrecht, appointed in the summer of 2025.
The substitutes used that day also have notable stories. Steven Gerrard has managed Rangers, Aston Villa, and Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, and is currently seeking his next project in management. Harry Kewell has built a varied coaching career across the globe, from Crawley Town to Japan, and is now in charge of Hanoi FC in Vietnam.
As Barnsley, now struggling in League One, dream of another miracle against Arne Slot's Liverpool, the legacy of that 2008 team serves as a potent reminder of the FA Cup's enduring magic and unpredictability.
