Liam Payne recorded a love song for ex Naomi Campbell shortly before he died

Liam Payne, former One Direction star, left the world a deeply personal parting gift-a song he crafted as a tribute to his brief but impactful relationship with supermodel Naomi Campbell.

The ballad, titled Closer to You, was recorded earlier this year and is said to capture the raw emotion and yearning Payne felt after their amicable split in 2019.

Payne and Campbell dated for several months in 2019, a whirlwind romance filled with shared moments and the challenges of balancing high-profile careers. Though their relationship ended amicably, it left a lasting impression on the singer. Shortly after their breakup, Payne began composing Closer to You, a love song that vividly recalls the depth of his feelings for Campbell.

The song opens with an evocative line: "Still smell your perfume in my room..." Payne reportedly joked that Campbell's distinctive scent lingered with him long after she was gone, a sentiment woven into the melody. The heartfelt lyrics plead for reconciliation, with Payne singing: "I want to love you."

Although the song remained unfinished for years, Payne returned to it in 2024, channeling his emotions and artistic vision into what he believed would be his comeback track.

Collaborating with legends

In July, Payne worked on the track in Los Angeles alongside close friend Roger Nores and his girlfriend, who contributed to the lyrics and melody.

By August, Payne was in Sweden, collaborating with legendary producer Rami Yacoub, the mastermind behind One Direction's What Makes You Beautiful. Grammy-winning producer Max Martin also joined the project remotely, adding his expertise to Payne's final masterpiece.

Yacoub shared a poignant reflection on his longtime relationship with Payne on Instagram.

"I've known this wonderful human for almost 13 years... Time goes by, but some things never change," Yacoub wrote.

Payne's dedication to the track was clear during the eight-hour recording session that finalized Closer to You. Despite his struggles with addiction, Payne appeared sober, full of optimism, and focused on his craft.

Friends and collaborators described the session as filled with laughter and hope, as Payne envisioned the song marking his triumphant return to music.