Ella Toone Honors Late Father Through Football and Academy

Five months after losing her father to cancer, England midfielder Ella Toone scored a stunning goal and pointed to the sky in tribute. It was her first goal since Nick Toone's death, and it marked a turning point in how she was processing her grief.

Nick was Ella's biggest fan, recording every match so he could call her for a detailed debrief afterward. He drove her across the country for club matches and traveled abroad for England games, always believing she had something special.

The 26-year-old Manchester United star learned about his prostate cancer diagnosis the day after her team won the 2024 FA Cup final. He'd hidden his illness during England's historic 2022 European Championship win, not wanting to worry anyone.

After Nick died in September 2024, Toone went straight back to training. She started the next match at Old Trafford because she knew that's what he would have wanted.

But her body had other plans. A calf injury in November forced her to stop and finally process her grief with the help of a counselor and time away from the game.

When she returned in January, that breakthrough goal against West Brom felt like relief. She'd been putting enormous pressure on herself to score for him, but the time off had helped her remember to enjoy the game again.

Why This Inspires

Toone's story shows how love can outlive loss. While planning her summer wedding without her father, she's found purpose in continuing his dream alongside her fiancé Joe Bunney.

Together, they run the ET7 Academy, where young girls get the same opportunities Nick always championed. Bunney, whose own football career ended early due to injuries, poured his energy into building the academy with Nick before his death.

"Setting up the academy is part of dad's legacy," Toone says. "He loved being part of something that he knew would help young girls have opportunities."

Nick would go into any pub and talk about women's football with anyone who would listen. Now his passion lives on through his daughter's goals and the academy that bears her initials.

Toone says matchdays used to be hard for her family because they'd always been "their time with dad." But now they're creating new traditions while honoring his memory.

This summer, there will be an empty chair at her wedding, but Nick's influence will fill the room.