Ella Toone shares a heartfelt story about her close relationship with her father, who was her biggest supporter in life and football. From a young age, they bonded over car rides filled with Smooth Radio tunes and playful pranks. Her dad encouraged her passion for football, promising her ten pounds for every goal she scored in her first game—a challenge she met with ten goals. His unwavering support continued as she progressed through her football career, always offering advice and cheering her on from the sidelines.
Nick Toone died 3 days before his 60th birthday. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer the day after watching his daughter score a goal in the Euro 2022 final. England beat Germany 2-1 at Wembley.
A few months after his death, Toone spoke to The Player's Tribune about her story and how she is dealing with her loss.
