In a nutshell, this is the life story of the Jamaican footballer best known by the nickname “Chippy”. We start with Leon Bailey’s childhood and follow his journey to fame. Few people know that football found Bailey from the Jamaican streets and he began his career at Phoenix All-Star Academy, which is run by his adoptive father, Craig Butler. In this article, we’ll delve into Butler’s crucial role, including his sacrifices for Bailey and his efforts to find a club in Europe for both Bailey and his biological son, Kyle.
Our biography of Leon Bailey goes beyond his career highlights to offer an in-depth look at his early life and football beginnings. We cover his childhood experiences, his introduction to the sport, and provide insights into his family, including his adoptive father Craig Butler. This biography also explores his love life, personality, and lifestyle. Now, let’s dive into the core of Bailey’s remarkable story.
Inside Leon Bailey’s Life Story: From Jamaica Streets to Premier League
Preamble:
To spark your interest in Leon Bailey’s biography, we’re excited to share this photo gallery that captures his incredible journey. From his beginnings to becoming a superstar at Aston Villa, it’s clear that the Jamaican footballer has had an extraordinary life.
Leon Bailey Biography – From his Early Years to the moments he became famous.
Much like Raheem Sterling in his earlier years, Leon Bailey was once one of Europe’s most talked-about footballers, known for his distinctive playing style. Through our extensive coverage of Jamaican footballers, we noticed a gap in knowledge about Bailey. Despite his prominence, many fans are unfamiliar with his full story. We’ve detailed his life journey, so let’s dive in and explore his biography.
Leon Bailey’s Childhood Story:
For Biography starters, he bears the nickname ‘Chippy’. Leon Patrick Bailey Butler was born on the 9th day of August 1997 at Kingston City in Jamaica.
The Jamaican was born to a little-known Dad, a look-alike mum, and has an adoptive father – Craig Butler.
Meet Leon Bailey’s adoptive father, Craig Butler and his biological mother.
Early Life and Growing-Up Years:
Leon Bailey spent his childhood years at Cassava Piece, an area regarded as one of the most violent neighbourhoods in Kingston, Jamaica.
Back in the days, Poverty reigned supreme, and it was easy for kids like Bailey to become drug peddlers.
Fortunately, football offered him an escape from the widespread debauchery. Leon Bailey loved the sport so much and never cared about anything, including hunger.
He never wanted his mum’s food as long as there was a ball at his feet. Leon Bailey shares;
“Football chose me from the very beginning. Even before I was born, all I wanted to do was kick everything in sight. I always joke that my passion for football started in my mom’s belly because from the moment I was born, I’ve been kicking everything around me.”
Leon Bailey Family Background:
Bailey’s life story is one of the many examples of a rag-to-riches tale. Because his parents were poor, Leon suffered lack for much of his childhood and youth.
The truth is, it was sheer will and never giving up the mentality that kept him going. Reflecting on his time in Cassava Piece, Leon Bailey admits,
“Looking back, life there wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t all bad either. It’s a tough area, but it shaped me into someone I never imagined becoming. I’ve become street-smart, able to see life from various perspectives, and I’m truly grateful for the experiences that environment gave me.”
Leon Bailey Family Origin:
We are aware that he is a Jamaican national. However, his roots extend far beyond the Caribbean.
Interestingly, our research indicates he has English family ancestry, a development which suggests he may be biracial.
Young Leon Bailey was raised in the Kingston neighbourhood of Jamaica.
Leon Bailey Biography – Football Story:
By the time Bailey was six, he had joined the Phoenix All-Star Academy in Kingston. The academy was owned and run by Craig Butler, a man who would later become Bailey’s Adoptive dad.
Though young, Bailey was serious about football and knew just what he wanted. Those who knew him – deep down to his parents – would testify two facts.
First, his drive was second to none and secondly, his vision was crystal clear.
Childhood photo of the amazing football talent during his days at Phoenix Academy.
Early Life in Football:
Thanks to the lad’s drive, his adoptive father, Craig, became emboldened to take him for trials in Europe. Bailey wasn’t alone on the journey.
He went with two other brothers, among which include Kyle Butler (Craig’s biological son) and Kevaughn Atkinson (another adopted child).
When they arrived in Europe, it was winter, a weather condition that was alien to him and his brothers. Nonetheless, Kevaughn, Kyle and Bailey adapted.
While they enrolled the youngster in an Austrian club, Liefering, Kevaughn Atkinson got registered at USK Anif. Kyle Butler also settled with an Austrian side.
Meet Leon and his brothers in Europe.
Road To Fame Story:
The speedster wasn’t recording progressive gains at Liefering because FIFA rules forbid signing non-EU players under 18. Thus, he moved to the Slovak side AS Trencin, where he kept his soccer aspirations alive until he turned 18 in 2015.
Have you seen this photo of the youngster during his time at AS Trencin?
It was that same year that he signed up for the Belgian club Genk and made his debut in the top-flight. By the end of his maiden campaign in 2015/16, he was already something of a cult hero after scoring one of Genk’s most important goals of their calendar year.
KAA Gent is a top Belgian club that has been behind the rise of notable footballers of African origins. We talk about the likes of Paul Onuachu and Manuel Benson, etc.
Leon Bailey Bio – Rise To Fame Story:
Armed with an excellent track record and young age, Bailey was on the radar of many big clubs. However, he joined Bayer Leverkusen because it had a soft spot for nifty young attackers like Kai Havertz.
At the time of joining Bayer Leverkusen in 2017.
Upon settling into his new surroundings, ‘Chippy’ gradually found his feet at the BayArena.
His breakthrough came during the 2017/18 football year when he registered six assists and nine goals to help Die Werkself finish fifth and qualify for the Europa League.
So long as Leon remains an active part of the team, there are no limits for Bayer Leverkusen. All thanks to the speedy creativity that he injects, the rest, we can say, is history.
About Stephanie Hope – Leon Bailey’s Girlfriend:
Chippy is in love. Not just with the game but with his wife-to-be. Her name is Stephanie Hope.
It would not be hard to spot his girlfriend because Bailey often takes her with him to award nights and vacations. With such outings, he subtly declares his intention of getting hitched to the beauty in no distant time.
Leon Bailey with his girlfriend, Stephanie Hope.
Did you know?… Stephanie Hope is not just a girlfriend but a mother to Bailey’s son, Leo Cristiano. Don’t get it twisted; Bailey didn’t name his son after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The “Leo” is from Leon, while “Cristiano” was added because Bailey thinks it rhymes well with “Leo”.
Leon Bailey spending quality time with Leo Cristiano.
Leon Bailey Family Life:
Can you name any soccer genius who doesn’t have a nuclear unit of people who care about him more than other people do? No, of course.
They are all families, and the Jamaican is not an exemption. We bring you facts about Leon Bailey’s parents and siblings. Also, we will make facts about Bailey’s relatives available here.
About Leon Bailey’s Adoptive Father:
Again, there are no records of the Technical dribbler’s biological dad. On this note, the only father figure in his life is an adoptive dad – Craig Butler. He is the founder of Phoenix All-Star Academy in Kingston, Jamaica.
A rare photo of Leon Bailey with his adoptive dad, Craig Butler.
Craig Butler has sacrificed a lot to ensure that Bailey and his adoptive brothers, Kyle Butler (Craig’s biological son) and Kevaughn Atkinson, become successful in life.
Even when things weren’t working as planned, Craig’s fortitude inspired the lads to preserve and eventually triumphed over adversity.
About Leon Bailey’s Mother:
The speedster’s mom is supportive and loving. That explains why Bailey constantly strives to reward her with exquisite vacation trips.
The speedster is aware that it is impossible to repay his mother completely. Notwithstanding, he aspires to do so.
Leon Bailey on vacation with his mother.
About Leon Bailey’s Siblings:
The Jamaica-born has only his adoptive brothers. We earlier mentioned their names as Kyle and Atkinson. They are fiercely loyal to each other and share powerful bonds. There are no records of his biological siblings.
About Leon Bailey’s Relatives:
The speed dribbler has English grandparents. It is yet unclear as to which of Leon Bailey’s parents claim ownership of English ancestry. There’s also a shroud of obscurity on the identities of his uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews and nieces.
Personal Life:
Who is Chippy beyond being a Technical dribbler?
First and foremost, our Biography speaks well of him as a cheerful, hardworking and down-to-earth individual who is good at balancing a career with fun.
He doesn’t deny himself the luxury of vacations.
The Footballer loves partying and relaxing big on water. Also, he is big on making grand appearances at events. Also, he doesn’t miss out on spending quality time with family, especially his son.
Lifestyle:
Let’s talk about how the speedster makes and spends his money. To start with, he earns a weekly salary of €75,000. Also, his net worth stands at €2.3 million (2020 estimate).
With such significant monthly pay, Bailey doesn’t deny himself the pleasure of life. Have you seen the cars in the garage of his expensive house? They are spectacular. He is no doubt living the lifestyle young footballers dream of.
Behold the winger stepping out of his super exotic car.
Facts About Leon Bailey:
To wrap this article on his childhood story and biography, here are a few truths about him.
About His Nickname:
Ever wonder why the winger is called Chippy? His dad gave him the nickname because he looked like the character Alvin from the movie Chipmunks. Interestingly, only family and friends close to him call him by that nickname.
FIFA 2020 Ratings:
Like Alassane Plea, Leon suffers from a poor overall rating – a feat which doesn’t speak well for the Bundesliga striking force.
His potential of 85 is a bit fair for a winger who is good on both feet, rapid, skilful, and incisive. We believe 84/90 would reflect the current reality as regards his amazing capabilities.
A bit fair, but it can be better. Leon Bailey’s potential rating of 85, considering his ambidextrous, fast, skilled, and sharp playing style as a winger, could be more accurately reflected as 84/90.
Leon Bailey Religion:
Bailey has left no clue about his religion. He doesn’t cross himself when stepping onto the pitch and has not been seen muttering prayers.
However, there’s a high possibility that Leon Bailey’s parents are Christian, especially since he named his son Cristiano.
Friendship With Usain Bolt:
Chippy and Usain Bolt are both Jamaicans. In addition, both athletes are close, and Bailey doesn’t shy from noting how supportive the former runner is.
They are both the best athletes to have emerged from the Caribbean island.
“I would say we’re really, really close. Usain Bolt supports me and he was always there for me. ALSO, He has taught a lot of life lessons. Bolt is an amazing guy and fun to be with.”
The Footballer alongside medal-winning sprinter Usain Bolt.
EndNote:
Thanks for reading this informative piece on Leon Bailey, a footballer who has experienced a chaotic rise from Kingston to Leverkusen.
We hope it has inspired you to believe that perseverance is the key to triumphing over adversity. Just like Bailey never gave up on his changing career that spanned six countries.
It behoves us now to commend the midfielder’s parents. This includes his adoptive father, Craig Butler, his brothers and other family members for their support of his career in words and deeds.
We take pride in delivering childhood stories and biography facts with accuracy and fairness.
If you observe anything that doesn’t look right, do well to contact us or leave a comment below with your thoughts about the Jamaican.
