Dele Alli opens up on betrayal by Nigerian father

Posted : 14 July 2023

Dele Alli, the former Tottenham Hotspur player, has shed light on the state of his relationship with his birth parents during an interview on The Overlap with Gary Neville.

Alli, who has encountered difficulties in reproducing the form and technical skills he was once renowned for at Tottenham, opened up about his struggles, his experience in rehabilitation to address childhood trauma, and his relationship with his Nigerian father.

Born in England to a Nigerian father and an English mother, Alli revealed that he did not have strong relationships with either parent while growing up, as there were no clear boundaries established.

From engaging in smoking at the age of seven to experimenting with drugs at eight, Alli's mother sent him to Nigeria in an attempt to instill discipline. However, the cultural shift proved overwhelming, and after just six months, he returned to England.

In 2016, at the age of 20, Alli officially changed his jersey name from Alli to Dele, as he felt no connection to his original surname.

Reflecting on his upbringing, he shared, "I had no rules. I didn't grow up with any rules. My mum drank a lot, and I understand her better now because of what she was going through. My biological father lived in Africa, and I was sent to stay with him for a year, and it was a terrible experience. I didn't want to be there at all. It was a significant cultural change, and I didn't want to be there, so after six months, I returned, and I haven't spoken to him since."

Alli went on to explain why he no longer desires a relationship with his biological father, citing the father's absence during his upbringing.

He recounted how his father disappeared for a period, only to resurface when Alli began playing for the England national team. At the age of eighteen, Alli's birth parents went to the press, accusing his adoptive family of taking advantage of him and expressing their intent to review his contracts.

Having not been in contact with his father for years, Alli felt betrayed and let down, leading him to sever ties with his mother as well. Regarding his father, Alli stated, "I don't want the relationship anyway."

During his career, Dele Alli was approached by former Nigerian footballer John Fashanu, who attempted to persuade him to play for Nigeria.

However, Alli ultimately chose to represent England. Currently, Alli is contracted to Everton until the conclusion of the 2023/2024 season.

Dele Alli opens up on betrayal by Nigerian father

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