The roar of the crowd, the euphoria of scoring at Wembley, the glittering trophy lifted high—these are the moments that define a footballer’s career in the public eye. But for Manchester United and England star Ella Toone, the most profound and challenging battle of her life was fought far from the stadium lights, in the quiet, heartbreaking moments following the loss of her biggest fan: her father, Nick. In a deeply personal and moving account for The Players’ Tribune, the 25-year-old midfielder opens up about her grief, her father’s secret battle with cancer, and the unbreakable bond that fuelled her journey to the top.
The Shock of a Silent Battle
The world saw Ella Toone make history, scoring the opening goal in England’s triumphant Euro 2022 final against Germany. What the world didn’t see was the private battle beginning just one day later, when her father, Nick, received a diagnosis of prostate cancer. He passed away in September 2023, just three days before his 60th birthday.
In her essay, Toone reveals the shocking truth that his illness was a closely guarded secret. “When he passed, it was a big shock, even to some of the people closest to him, because no one hardly knew he was ill,” she confessed. Addressing the questions from friends and fans, she added, “People ask me now, ‘Why didn’t you tell us?’ And I’m like, I didn’t know either. I didn’t know half of it…” This deliberate protection from the harsh reality left her unprepared for the depth of her loss, a pain she describes as still raw and gutting.
A Father’s Legacy: From the Sidelines to Wembley
The core of Toone‘s story is a beautiful tribute to her father’s unwavering support. She paints a picture of a quintessential football dad, whose belief in her was absolute from the very beginning. He was the one who drove her to training, and in a now-legendary family tale, promised six-year-old Ella £10 for every goal she scored for her local girls’ team. His pledge proved costly—she netted 10 times on her debut, earning a cool £100.
This support never wavered. As Toone’s career skyrocketed, her parents became her most dedicated travelling fans, attending every home and away game. The ritual was always the same: they would watch the match live, return home to re-watch the recording, and then her dad would call to dissect every pass, every tackle, and every goal. “He was my biggest critic, but also my biggest fan,” Toone shared, highlighting the balanced and honest encouragement that only a loving parent can provide.
The Unraveling Truth and a Final Season
The first cracks in the façade appeared during the Euros. After England’s opening win over Austria at Old Trafford, Toone noticed her father looked unwell. He then missed the following match in Brighton, with her parents insisting he was simply “not feeling too well.” The full, devastating truth only emerged after Manchester United’s emphatic 4-0 FA Cup final victory over Tottenham in May 2023, a match where Toone herself scored the opener. It was then that the word “cancer” was finally mentioned.
Even now, Toone admits she is still processing her grief. “I still feel the pain digging in… Even now, sometimes I think he’s going to come back, like he’s right in the other room waiting for me to come around the corner so he can have a joke or some banter,” she wrote, capturing the bewildering nature of loss with poignant clarity.
Finding Strength in Vulnerability and Community
By choosing to share her story, Ella Toone has done more than just honour her father’s memory; she has extended a hand to others navigating the lonely path of grief. She acknowledges that her family, the “Toones,” are not great with feelings, but she bravely pushed past that to connect with fans on a profoundly human level. Her message is one of solidarity, reminding everyone that they are not alone in their pain.
This raw honesty resonates deeply, offering a different kind of insight into the athlete’s world—one not of tactics and trophies, but of heartache and resilience. For fans reading on Jaya9, it’s a powerful reminder of the people behind the players and the personal struggles they overcome.
Ella Toone’s Heartfelt Tribute: A Daughter’s Love and Loss Beyond the Pitch
Ella Toone’s journey is a testament to the fact that a footballer’s greatest strength isn’t just found in their technique on the ball, but in their courage off it. By sharing her profound grief over the loss of her father, Nick, she has shown a vulnerability that is both brave and deeply connecting. His legacy is forever woven into her career, from a childhood promise of £10 a goal to the unforgettable sight of her scoring on the world’s biggest stage. While the pain of his absence remains, her story serves as a powerful beacon of love, memory, and the enduring spirit of a family’s support.
Have you been touched by Ella’s story? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. For more moving player features and in-depth football analysis, keep exploring Jaya9.
