Wayne Rooney struggled to contain his emotions as he watched his younger brother, John, guide Macclesfield to what is being described as the greatest FA Cup shock in the competition's history.
The former Manchester United and England striker was visibly moved whilst working as a pundit for the game as the non-league side completed their remarkable triumph over Crystal Palace.
Rooney said: "It's incredible, I am getting emotional to see my younger brother achieve this.
"He's not been long in management and to get through to the fourth round of the FA Cup and beat Crystal Palace, I am so proud of him."
The brothers embraced after the final whistle, with Wayne praising John's composure throughout the match despite the occasion's magnitude.
The National League North outfit, sitting 117 places below Crystal Palace in English football's pyramid, secured a stunning 2-1 victory at Silk Mill to knock out the reigning FA Cup holders.
Captain Paul Dawson opened the scoring with a header from a Luke Duffy corner towards the end of the first half, before Isaac Buckley-Ricketts extended the lead in the 60th minute.
Palace, who had claimed their first major trophy by defeating Manchester City at Wembley in May, threw everything at the hosts in the closing stages.
Wayne Rooney struggled to contain his emotions as he watched his younger brother, John, guide Macclesfield to the win
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Oliver Glasner's side, currently 13th in the Premier League, had started England internationals Marc Guehi and Adam Wharton and introduced club record £35million signing Brennan Johnson at half-time.
Yeremy Pino's curled free-kick in the 90th minute set up a tense finale, but Macclesfield defended resolutely through six minutes of added time as supporters invaded the pitch at full-time.
John Rooney was equally overcome with emotion as he joined his brother for the post-match interview, admitting he still could not process what his team had accomplished.
The Macclesfield manager said: "I'm the same (in tears), literally. I still can't believe it, I can't get my head around it."
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The National League North outfit sit 117 places below Crystal Palace in English football's pyramid
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The 34-year-old, who has only recently taken charge of the Silkmen, was full of praise for his players' display against the defending champions.
He said: "I thought we were incredible from the first minute, the first half we had a couple of chances, and then we took the lead. I thought we were well deserved winners.
"I thought we were incredible to a man, I couldn't be any prouder of the lads."
The victory carried profound emotional significance beyond the sporting achievement, with John Rooney paying tribute to striker Ethan McLeod, who tragically lost his life in a car accident on December 16 while travelling home from Macclesfield's away fixture at Bedford Town.
Captain Paul Dawson opened the scoring
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McLeod's parents were in attendance at Silk Mill to witness the historic triumph, with Rooney revealing he had received a message from the player's father the night before the match.
Rooney said: "I haven't mentioned him much in the dressing room, I didn't want to put the extra pressure on the lads.
"His parents are here today, so we need to go and see them. It's been a really tough time, and we've all stuck together through it."
The manager confirmed photographs of McLeod remain displayed in the dressing room and will stay there permanently.
Rooney added: "I think he'll be looking down on us today, and be proud of us."
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