Inside Lionesses star Ella Toone's romance with rival footie star
The England women's star is dating Joe Bunney, a footie star who has scored his own fair share of goals.
Ella, 25 – who has reached the UEFA Women's Euros 2025 final with the Lionesses and will take on Spain this weekend – met fellow athlete Joe, 29, through mutual friends.
Known as Ella's 'biggest cheerleader', her partner is a non-league player who currently plays for Stalybridge Celtic, based in Greater Manchester.
Joe signed for Stalybridge in July 2023, having previously been on loan at Ashton United and Marine during the 2022/23 season.
It's an unlikely pairing, you might think, as Joe represents Manchester City, whereas Ella is United.
But despite their difference in teams, all possible rivalry is forgotten when it comes to their romance, with World Cup 2023 finalist Ella previously unable to speak highly enough of her boyfriend.
Chatting to The Sun, a source said: 'Ella and Joe are very much in love and have been together for a while now.
'They are both from Manchester and have mutual friends who introduced them.'
'Those who know them think they are the perfect pairing,' they added.
Other than what insiders have observed about their relationship, Ella and Joe keep their relationship very private, besides the odd adorable social media snap.
When the Lionesses were confirmed for the World Cup final in Australia in 2023, he shared the sweetest Insta pic with the caption: 'Wow. Proud doesn't even come close .. World Cup final let's go 🤯🏴🦁❤️'
It's also known that Joe has two children from a previous relationship.
The footballer previously played for clubs including Rochdale and Northampton Town, being used mainly as a defender or left-sided utility player.
And his expertise surely comes in handy, as Ella has also revealed that she analyses her own performances on the pitch with her boyfriend and dad.
She told The Times: 'I always speak to my dad and then Joe. How can I be better? What did I not do well? I know they will always be honest with me.
'When Dad or Joe says I have played well, I know I have.' More Trending
She added: 'I am very critical of myself and sometimes I need to realise that I haven't played as badly as I thought.
'I've seen the career [Joe] has had and his advice is definitely worth listening to. I will always be improving, that's just my mentality. He makes me see things in a different way.'
They are both supportive of each other's careers and attend games the other plays, often with fans approaching them.
'Whenever I go to Joe's games, the amount of lads who come over to me is mad, and that is what really makes me smile. I stand there a lot of the time with my hood up, trying to watch, but they'll say, 'Are you Ella Toone of United? Can I have a picture?',' she continued.
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