Inside Liam Payne’s Friendship With One Direction Bandmate Niall Horan

Liam Payne and Niall Horan crossed paths just before the “Strip That Down” singer’s death on October 16, 2024 — proving that their friendship was strong even after One Direction split.

The singers made their One Direction debut alongside Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik when the band was formed on The X Factor in 2010. After four albums as a fivesome, Malik announced his departure from the group in March 2015. The remaining members released one more record before going on an indefinite hiatus starting in December 2015.

While they all went on to have solo careers following the split, the boys still showed each other support over the years, proving that nothing could break the One Direction bond.

“We always try and support each other where we can,” Niall told Esquire in April 2023 of the One Direction boys. “We’re all texting each other individually, if anyone’s got a song coming out or a thing, even outside of work, we know we have each other.”

Inside Liam Payne's Bond With His Former One Direction Members

Keep scrolling to look back at Payne and Horan’s friendship:

July 2010

Horan and Payne became friends when One Direction was formed on The X Factor.

December 2013

Payne and Horan hung out without other One Direction members, attending a New York Knicks game while in New York City.

July 2015

While on stage during One Direction’s On the Road Again Tour, Payne showed off his love for Horan as they performed together.

June 2017

The two shared a backstage moment at the ZPL Birthday Bash in Indianapolis.

December 2017

Payne and Horan posed together backstage at the KIIS FM’s Jingle Ball in Los Angeles.

February 2018

Both Payne and Horan attended the same Universal Music BRIT Awards Afterparty and snapped a series of sweet photos together. (Payne’s ex-girlfriend Cheryl Cole was there, as well.)

November 2019

In celebration of their management company, Modest!, Horan and Payne teamed up with Olly Murs for a parody of The Office.

Liam Payne Through the Years: The One Direction Alum's Life in Photos

May 2021

Payne tagged Horan in an Instagram Story referencing his golf game.

“You better watch yourself,” Payne wrote, and Horan was quick to share the photo.

October 2024

While Horan was on tour in Argentina, Payne attended his former bandmate’s concert. Ahead of the show, Payne shared a video about reuniting with Horan.

“I think we might just go and say hello,” the singer told Snapchat followers. “It’s been a while since me and Niall have spoken. We’ve got a lot to talk about. And I would like to square up a couple of things with the boy. No bad vibes or anything like that. But just, we need to talk.”