Sean Cox made his first appearance in public since being attacked outside Anfield by a Roma supporter nearly a year ago.
The Liverpool fan, 54, was left with brain injuries after being struck ahead of a Champions League semi-final tie in April 2018.
A charity match was held in his honour as a Republic of Ireland XI played a team of Liverpool Legends in Dublin on Friday night.
More than 25,000 fans descended on the Aviva Stadium and proceeds will go towards his rehabilitation and care.
He gave a wave from the crowd as he took in his first match since the attack.
Liverpool fan Sean Cox speaks publicly for first time since attack in emotional message
In February, Simone Mastrelli, 30, was jailed for three-and-a-half years after pleading guilty at Preston Crown Court to unlawfully and maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm.
The former stars rolled back the years on the day former captain Tommy Smith died aged 74.
Sean was pictured with legends Ian Rush and Kenny Dalglish as former stars like Steve McManaman, John Aldridge and Jason McAteer took to the field.
The Irish side was managed by current international boss Mick McCarthy and captained by iconic forward Robbie Keane.
His wife Martina Cox said: "The improvements are slow, but he is progressing. He can speak a little bit more, he's eating regular food now, he has a little bit more movement, yet, he has so many difficulties.
"He has a very long road ahead of him.
"For us, it means we feel really heartened that we know Seán will get the care and the rehabilitation that he needs and that he deserves.
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"It's really overwhelming from a community, a business, Liverpool FC, everything. It's been amazing, just unbelievable."
What the brave Reds fan wants next is three big Premier League points against Chelsea - but supporters have been warned it could be a rocky road ahead.
Manager Jurgen Klopp said: "We are very positive about it – the boys are positive, the training sessions are positive, but still it’s so difficult.
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"The nice thing about this game is that it’s absolutely not possible to play without mistakes.
"So you don’t have to worry about them, you only have to deal with them.
"We will make mistakes on Sunday, 100 per cent. We have to deal with it, we have to sort it, we have to help each other. And then we can win a football game."
