Ella Toone: A Tale of Rivalry and Love in Football
Ella Toone, a rising star in women’s football, has experienced success both at the club and international level. After her impressive performance in the European Championship victory with the Lionesses last summer, she is now setting her sights on the Women’s World Cup. However, what makes Toone’s story even more intriguing is the unique dynamic she shares with her partner, Joe Bunney, who happens to support a rival club.
Toone’s journey to success began when she joined Manchester United in 2018, leaving behind arch-rivals Manchester City. In her first season with the Red Devils, she played a crucial role in their Women’s Championship triumph. The rivalry between the two Manchester clubs is well-known, not only in men’s football but also in women’s football. And for Toone, this rivalry extends beyond the pitch and into her personal life, as her partner Bunney is a devoted supporter of United’s rivals.
In an interview with The Times, Bunney revealed their unique dynamic, saying, “I am a massive blue, and she’s a big red. That’s the only thing we don’t have in common, and it is the biggest thing for us.” Despite his support for Manchester City, Bunney also considers himself a fan of Manchester United Women’s team. Toone playfully responded, “You are an Ella Toone fan!” before adding, “We don’t speak on derby day, do we?” Bunney cheekily replied, “Well, you don’t speak to me because we usually win.”
Bunney himself is a football player and has spent most of his career at Rochdale before joining Stalybridge Athletic. He follows his beloved team, Manchester City, both home and away. In recent years, City has enjoyed a string of successes, including winning the treble. Bunney was fortunate enough to witness their Champions League triumph in Istanbul, and he celebrated the moment with his friends on Instagram. Toone, however, was less than impressed, expressing her disappointment with a crying emoji.
Despite their rivalry, Toone and Bunney will put their differences aside this summer as Toone represents England in the Women’s World Cup. She has been selected as part of Sarina Wiegman’s 23-woman squad for the tournament, which will be hosted in Australia and New Zealand. England has never won the Women’s World Cup, but the Lionesses are considered one of the favorites this year.
Before heading off to join her teammates, Toone shared a picture on social media alongside Bunney, with their suitcases and bags packed and ready to go. Bunney captioned the post with words of encouragement, saying, “Go smash it and continue to make us proud. Like always, we’re all right behind you! See you on the 28th.” Toone replied with a heartfelt message, “Love you,” accompanied by a love heart and infinity sign.
Toone’s story is a testament to the power of love and support in overcoming rivalries. Despite their allegiance to rival clubs, Toone and Bunney have found a way to navigate their differences and support each other’s dreams. As Toone embarks on her journey to the Women’s World Cup, she carries not only the hopes of her country but also the unwavering support of her partner. Their story serves as a reminder that love can transcend even the fiercest football rivalries.