While many know Ross Barkley as an English professional footballer, what might surprise you is his mixed heritage. Born to a Nigerian father, Peter Effanga, and a British mother, Diane Barkley, Ross shares a similar background with other players like Curtis Jones, whose Nigerian and British parentage and upbringing in England have shaped their paths to football fame. Peter Effanga, an automobile engineer, has had a significant influence on Ross’s life, providing unwavering fatherly support and laying the foundation for his football career from a young age.
In summary, this article delves into the captivating journey of Ross Barkley, showcasing how his career exemplifies talent, ambition, and the influence of heritage. So, without delay, let’s dive into the heart of his story.
When Pure Nigerian Heritage Meets Ambition: The Untold Story of Ross Barkley
His biography offers an in-depth look into Barkley’s early life, the influence of his parents, his rise through the ranks, and the personal and professional milestones that have defined his career.
From his early days on the field to becoming a pivotal player for both club and country, Ross Barkley’s journey is a testament to overcoming obstacles, embracing identity, and the relentless pursuit of success. Join us as we delve into the life of a footballer who embodies the spirit of perseverance and the joy of the game.
Ross Barkley Biography – Behold his Early Life and Great Rise.
Yes, it is a known fact that the midfielder is a two-footed player with excellent technique. At the time of updating this memory, he, a Luton star, is making his name once again in the Premier League. However, the bulk of what isn’t well known about him is contained in this Biography write-up. Without further ado, let’s begin.
Ross Barkley’s Childhood Story:
To begin Ross Barkley’s biography, he was born on December 5, year 1993, in Liverpool, United Kingdom, making him a Sagittarius. His father, Peter Effanga, works as an automobile engineer, while his mother, Diane Barkley, manages their home. Barkley’s roots blend Nigerian heritage from his father with British upbringing from his mother, shaping his early years in Liverpool.
One of the earliest known childhood photos of Ross Barkley.
Ross, instead of answering Effanga, chose to answer his mother’s maiden name ‘Barkley‘ due to a strained relationship he had with his Nigerian dad while growing up.
Ross started playing football thanks to his dad’s effort, who, as a migrant, made it possible for his only heir to take football as his most profitable profession.
How Career Football Began for Ross Barkley:
This was also the case for migrant parents in Europe. Parents of Leroy Sane, Mesut Ozil, Christian Benteke, etc, are major beneficiaries.
Through Peter Effanga, his dad, Ross joined Everton and started playing football at the age of 11. He progressed through the Evertonian youth system.
The early career life of Ross Barkley.
Early Years in Career Football:
Aside from making headlines as a teen, Ross was known to possess growth hormone and a gene that made him grow bigger than his peers and even opponents, as pictured below.
Ross Barkley was so huge that one would think he was playing in the wrong age category.
Romelu Lukaku (CF), Gianluca Scamacca (CF), and Lesley Ugochukwu (DM) also witnessed the same growth syndrome. In fact, at 15, Ross was already mixing with the under-18 side. This was because of his excessive body build.
Ross Barkley Biography – Rise To Fame Story:
On several occasions, he led his youth team on major victories and in winning major tournaments such as the Echo Cup which was presented by former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez. See who led his youth team to major victories.
One of Ross’ most significant achievements as an academy youngster.
Barkley was expected to make his Toffees debut in the early stages of the 2010-2011 season but was delayed after he sustained a serious leg injury.
He collided with Liverpool’s Andre Wisdom while on duty with the England Under-19′s.
In December 2011, shortly after turning 18, he penned a new long-term deal at Everton.
Did you know?… Ross Barkley holds the honour of being among Everton’s teenage goal scorers. Notable names in this list include the likes of Wayne Rooney, Gerard Deulofeu, Tom Davies, Ademola Lookman (AM), Moise Kean (CF), Jarrad Branthwaite, etc.
The rest of Ross Barkley’s Bio is now history.
Who is Zoe Riozzi?
For starters, she is Ross Barkley’s Wife. Ross Barkley is known to have a fortunate relationship with Zoe Riozzi, described as his peaceful, practical, sensible, realistic, and responsible girlfriend and potential wife-to-be.
Perhaps you’ve asked…, why we have praised her so much?…. The reasons are as follows: Zoe Riozzi is a down-to-earth person. Her boring-hairy looks depict it all.
She loves to wear a simple Parka jacket over her work uniform and flat-soled shoes rather than killer heels as some footballer’s wife and girlfriend would wear.
Isn’t she a simple woman?
She became known for her down-to-earth lifestyle when she first started dating Ross during her teen years.
Zoe Riozzi is responsible and respected for keeping Barkley’s feet on the ground. She has a stronghold over the England man.
Unlike most football WAGS, Zoe is not interested in material things like money and fame. In fact, she is a £9 per hour nursery school teacher.
Despite her boyfriend’s recent trappings of success and £40,000 a week wage, which is set to rise soon, Zoe has chosen to drive the most awkward car a wag would ever drive.
Rather than the Bentleys and Range Rovers most wags use to get around, Miss Zoe Riozzi have chosen to be behind the wheel of a modest Fiat 500.
She drives a low-key Fiat500, which costs just £4,000. What a modest lifestyle for a wife of a millionaire.
Her lifestyle is similar to that of Wayne Rooney’s wife, Coleen Rooney, who has been credited for keeping the once-wayward England forward in check.
Thou Zoe is deeper than Coleen when compared to her down-to-earth personality. The couple, both the same age, are from the same area of Liverpool, and friends say their relationship is ‘going strong’.
In fact, their relationship has gone from strength to strength. Both lovers love to visit Buckingham Palace and Dubai. One holiday snap on Zoe’s Twitter profile shows them by a pool on a sunshine break. She looked more beautiful here.
Ross Barkley Family Life:
Yes, as surprised as you may be, this is true. Ross Barkley is of Nigerian descent.
Even his grandfather is a Nigerian.
Just like Dele Alli (AM), Michael Olise (RW), Manuel Akanji (CB) and Noah Okafor (LW), Barkley has refused to play for Nigeria.
Before making his competitive debut for England’s senior squad in 2013, Ross Barkley was eligible to play for the Super Eagles.
Leading up to his debut against Moldova in a World Cup qualifier, Barkley mentioned that Nigeria was among the countries he could have represented besides England. His father, Engineer Peter Effanga, and mother, Diane Barkley, continue to live in Liverpool.
Personality:
Barkley is Sagittarius by birth, and he is human with his fair share of strengths and weaknesses. He has the following attributes as regards his zodiac personality.
Ross Barkley’s Strengths include being generous, idealistic, and possessing a great sense of humour. His Weaknesses are promising more than he can deliver, impatience, and a tendency to speak undiplomatically. Ross Barkley enjoys freedom, travel, philosophy, and being outdoors. He dislikes clingy people, feeling constrained, and off-the-wall theories.
The Great Punch:
A disturbing incident captured on video showed Ross Barkley being knocked unconscious during a violent bar altercation. He was struck on the side of his face and fell to the ground. Barkley’s lawyer stated that he was the target of an “unprovoked and unfortunate attack by a stranger who just approached him.”
The attack happened in Santa Chupitos cocktail bar in Liverpool city centre in the early hours of this morning. It came just hours after his team got a 4-2 win over Leicester City at Goodison Park.
Victim of Racism:
Even while being white, is having any of your parents or Ancestors from Africa a crime?… Everton once banned The Sun tabloid from its premises over an article about Ross Barkley that critics branded “racist”.
Columnist Kelvin MacKenzie sparked controversy when he compared Barkley, who has Nigerian heritage through his grandfather, to a “gorilla at the zoo.” He went further, suggesting that the only individuals in Liverpool with Barkley’s income were drug dealers. These remarks drew widespread criticism for their racial insensitivity and derogatory nature.
He was once racially abused by a columnist.
The article titled “Here’s why they go ape at Ross,” featured images of Barkley alongside a gorilla, prompting strong reactions.
Liverpool’s mayor, Joe Anderson, reported it to both the Independent Press Standards Organisation and the police, labelling it as “racist and offensive.” In response, The Sun’s publisher, News UK, swiftly suspended columnist Kelvin MacKenzie, stating they took the matter seriously.
Ross Barkley Bio – Chelsea Snub:
Ross once completed a switch to Stamford Bridge but performed a stunning U-turn on deadline day to end what had been a frustrating transfer window for Chelsea FC.
Antonio Conte hit back at Ross Barkley’s decision to turn down a move to Chelsea after reports suggested the England international had pulled out of the deal due to him being unable to reach Antonio Conte on the phone.
Reports claimed Antonio Conte’s had his phone switched off or was under instructions not to speak to the 23-year-old. While Conte denied that was the case, he aimed a subtle dig at Barkley for not signing. In his words…
‘If any player has a great desire to play for a great club, he signs. Sometimes it’s important for the manager to speak to a player before he signs. Other times, it’s not. I have signed several players without speaking to them.”
Conclusion:
Thank you for reading our informative write-up on Ross Barkley’s biography.
Our focus revolves around delivering English Footballers’ Biography with fairness and accuracy. Kindly stay tuned for more interesting stories (both male and female footballers).
From a male’s point of view, the Life History of Ainsley Maitland-Niles and James Milner will interest you. From a female’s point of view, you will enjoy reading the Biography of Ella Toone and the Legendary Fran Kirby.
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