Emmanuel Adebayor Opens Up on Family Struggles in Candid Social Media Post
Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor has spoken out publicly for the first time about longstanding difficulties with his family, sharing a deeply personal account of his relationships with his mother, siblings, and the challenges behind the scenes that have followed him throughout his career.
In an emotional message posted on social media, the Togolese forward addressed rumors and speculation, revealing that his family issues are not about money but complicated personal dynamics that have affected him profoundly.
Adebayor recalled his early efforts to support his family, including building a house for them at just 17 years old and taking his mother to medical check-ups in London after winning the “Best African Player” award in 2008. Yet despite these gestures, tensions have persisted.
He detailed painful episodes, such as when his mother allegedly cut off contact upon hearing about the birth of his daughter, despite him having financially supported her, including sending her to visit a pastor in Nigeria and funding a family business.
Adebayor also spoke of his older sister Yabo, who he says rented out a house he purchased for her and their half-brother without informing him, leading to conflict. He expressed frustration over how some relatives have criticized him publicly, accusing him of ingratitude despite his support.
He recounted the struggles with his brother Kola, who has lived in Germany for 25 years but rarely visits, with Adebayor paying for his children’s education and supporting failed business ventures. Adebayor accused Kola of spreading false stories to the media and even attempting to get him fired from Real Madrid.
The striker also shared a troubling episode involving his brother Rotimi, who was caught stealing from teammates at a football academy in France.
Reflecting on his late brother Peter, Adebayor shared heartbreak over the difficult circumstances surrounding his illness and death, noting that despite his efforts to help, family tensions prevented him from seeing him in his final days.
Adebayor said that a family meeting in 2005 had set unrealistic demands on him to provide housing and salaries to relatives, which he found impossible to meet. He lamented how these disputes have hindered his efforts to launch charitable initiatives through his foundation.
He concluded by stating his intent is not to expose his family publicly but to share lessons for other African families facing similar challenges.
“I have kept these stories to myself for a long time, but today I think it’s good to share them with you. It’s important that other families learn from this,” he said.
Adebayor’s heartfelt testimony sheds light on the often unseen personal struggles faced by professional athletes behind their public success, adding a new dimension to the challenges he has faced on and off the pitch.
