An unidentified member of Dele Alli’s family has rejected claims that the player was adopted during his childhood, contradicting Alli’s recent candid interview with Gary Neville on The Overlap show.
Alli had previously stated that he was adopted by the Hickford family at a young age, but the family member asserts that this is untrue. They claim that Alli attended a prestigious school in Lagos, Nigeria, starting at the age of seven, and deny any disciplinary measures involving Africa.
According to the family member, Alli had a driver who would pick him up from school. The family member also alleges that Alli has been “brainwashed” and promised to provide evidence through photographs from Alli’s childhood.
Regarding his upbringing, Alli’s biological mother, Denise, stated in a 2018 interview with the Mirror that when Alli was around 13 years old, he began training at MK Dons and would stay at his best friend’s house during the week due to the family’s lack of transportation.
Denise refutes claims of alcoholism and abandonment, expressing her commitment to supporting her son’s dreams.
Alli’s recent interview has generated significant attention among fans, with the possibility of further evidence arising from family members refuting the adoption claims yet to be determined.
While living with the Hickford family since the age of 13, Alli considers them as his mother and father, even though they have not officially adopted him.
The Hickfords assist Alli in managing his business affairs, including property investments and image rights companies, recognising his potential for a record-breaking transfer if he leaves Tottenham Hotspur.
Although Alli has previously limited discussions about his family background, reports suggest that he is content with his current situation.
At 21 years old, he maintains no contact with his biological parents, Denise and Kehinde, who separated when he was three. Alli previously indicated his stance by removing his surname from his Spurs shirt and replacing it with “Dele”.
Kehinde, who resides in the United States, initiated legal action against the Hickford family for signing Alli’s first professional contract at MK Dons without guardian status.