Seven-year-old Bella Blue from Dallas, Texas, had been undergoing treatment for Medulloblastoma, a form of brain cancer in children, last summer when her eyes alighted on the TV.
There she saw Aaron Mooy playing for Australia in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
"I like him. He's like me," she said of the Huddersfield Town midfielder.
"During her radiation treatment, she had recently lost her hair and was excited to see a player who looked like her," explains Bella's mum, Lauren.
The moment prompted Bella's parents to find out more about where Mooy played which ended up with the purchase of the full Terriers kit, complete with the Australian's name and number on the back.
"At the time, we were wig shopping and we were worried about the self-consciousness of our little girl," her dad, Scott, told the BBC.
"Completely unbeknown to him, he helped her get to the point where she felt she didn't have to wear a wig."
VIP trip
Her story was posted on Instagram and after becoming aware of it, one of the club's sponsors, who make the medical equipment used in Bella's treatment, funded a trip for her and her family to come to Huddersfield.
A VIP for her stay in the UK, she met her hero and was mascot for the match against Leicester City on Saturday.
Although Jan Siewert's side lost, they got on the scoresheet through Mooy, much to the joy of his biggest fan sitting in the stands.
"I think she gave us a little bit of luck because we never get penalties," said Mooy after converting from the spot. " I am glad she was happy that I scored. Thank you, Bella!"