Taylor Harwood-Bellis shot to international fame on a day that left his father-in-law, the legendary Roy Keane, somewhat frustrated. Picture this: a young man about to become the son-in-law of a Manchester United and Irish icon, scoring against his father-in-law’s national team, while Roy Keane himself was one of the analysts for the game. When Harwood-Bellis scored for England against Ireland, Keane jokingly responded, saying his daughter’s engagement to Taylor was “not done and dusted” and that “things can change really fast in the Keane household.”
Beyond being Roy Keane’s future son-in-law, Taylor Harwood-Bellis is an emerging talent in English football, with a remarkable story of his own. This article delves into the journey of the rising English centre-back, who hails from a family with strong sporting connections, and is about to add a new chapter by marrying Leah Keane, one of Roy Keane’s five children. We begin Taylor’s story by looking back at the key moments of his early childhood and the meteoric rise that has shaped his career in the beautiful game.
Preamble:
In short, this article on Taylor Harwood-Bellis offers much more than just a look at his defensive highlights. It’s a comprehensive biography that takes you through his childhood, early life, and family, including his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Harwood-Bellis, his twin sister Rebecca Bellis, his sister Daisy Bellis, and even his uncle Steve. We’ll also dive deeper into his family background, his personality, lifestyle, and other lesser-known facts that help paint a fuller picture of the man behind the footballer.
We hope to spark your interest in player autobiographies as we share the story of this fast-rising and talented centre-back. To kick things off, let’s take a look at this photo gallery that highlights his journey—from his earliest moments to the point he achieved his dream of becoming an England professional. Indeed, Roy Keane’s son-in-law has come a long way in both life and career, and his journey is truly remarkable.
Childhood Story:
For Biography starters, he bears the full name Taylor Jay Harwood-Bellis. The English Defender was born on the 30th of January 2002 to his parents, Mr and Mrs Martin Harwood-Bellis, in Stockport, England.
Growing Up Years:
Taylor Harwood-Bellis was born a twin, and he grew up alongside his twin sister, Becky. Interestingly, both siblings, early on, developed an affinity for sports. Becky began loving basketball form childhood and her twin brother, whom this biography is all about is was attracted to football. Taylor Harwood-Bellis and his sister Rebecca have always been close and you can observe that here.
Today, little Taylor and his sister, Becky, have grown from playful childhood companions to supportive siblings who love to share cherished moments together. In this photo, the two are at an indoor roller skating centre, enjoying the game. Even to this day, their bond is as strong as ever, reflecting the joy and connection they’ve nurtured over the years.
Early Life (Football):
Taylor Harwood-Bellis owes his love for football to his late granddad, Dave. Born in Preston, Dave moved to Manchester as a young boy with his parents. In Manchester, he became a devoted supporter of both Manchester City and his local team, Stockport County.
Harwood-Bellis shared a special bond with his granddad, and together they would watch Manchester City games every weekend, whether home or away. Some of their fondest memories were the trips to Maine Road, the iconic stadium that was City’s home from 1923 to 2003. Taylor recalls riding on his granddad’s bike to get there, a tradition that cemented his love for the sport.
Even after his passing, Grandpa Dave’s words and influence remain a guiding force in Taylor’s life. As a boy, Taylor supported Manchester City because of him—Dave wasn’t necessarily a County fan but was City through and through. Their close relationship left a lasting impact on Taylor, shaping not only his love for the game but also his journey as a professional footballer.
An unforgettable childhood moment:
At just 10 years old, Taylor Harwood-Bellis vividly remembers where he was on May 13, 2012, when Sergio Aguero’s iconic title-winning goal against QPR shook the football world. That unforgettable moment became a spark of inspiration for young Taylor, fueling his dream of becoming a professional footballer. He and his family, especially his cousin Danny, went wild with excitement that day.
Fast forward seven years, and the humble Stockport native found himself living the dream—training alongside Sergio Aguero and another of his boyhood idols, David Silva, under the guidance of Pep Guardiola. It was a surreal full-circle moment for a boy who dared to dream big.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis Family Background:
Taylor Harwood-Bellis comes from a family with deep roots in sports. His uncle, Steve Bellis, is a prominent figure in football, serving as the president of Stockport County, a professional club based in Taylor’s hometown of Stockport, Greater Manchester, England. Interestingly, Taylor’s dad, Martin, also has ties to the club—not as a player but as its former mascot, the beloved ‘Vernon Bear.’ Those who know the Harwood-Bellis family well would describe them as incredibly close-knit. Here, Taylor enjoys quality time with his family, including his sister, Becky Bellis and his cousins, notably Daisy.
Sports talent runs in the family, as Taylor’s twin sister, Becky, has made her mark in basketball. She’s represented Great Britain at the youth level, adding another impressive athletic achievement to the Harwood-Bellis household.
Father In-Law:
Since learning he would become Roy Keane’s son-in-law, Taylor Harwood-Bellis has been even more motivated to make his sport-loving family proud. One way he’s doing this is by taking advice from his future father-in-law, who’s known for his straightforward and no-nonsense approach. As of November 2024, the defender is engaged to Leah Keane, daughter of the legendary former Manchester United captain. Despite the spotlight, Taylor remains private about his relationship, speaking sparingly about Roy Keane, whose opinions he clearly values and respects.
Roy Keane shares five children with his wife, Theresa Doyle: Shannon, Caragh, Aidan, Leah, and Alanna. Among them, Leah holds a special place as his fourth child, often referred to by Keane as “No. 4.” In a moment that captured his fatherly humor, he once shared a photo of himself with Leah after making a 360-mile round trip to visit her. His caption read, “No. 4 thinks because she lives 180 miles away that I won’t pop in for a cup of tea. Always watching.”
Leah is now engaged to Taylor Harwood-Bellis, with wedding plans underway. However, the timing of their engagement added an unexpected twist when Taylor scored against Ireland, Keane’s home country, while the football legend was working as an analyst for the game. Responding in his trademark style, Keane quipped that “things can still change very fast in the Keane household, and this marriage isn’t done and dusted yet.”
Family Origin:
Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ roots run deep in Preston, Lancashire, where his late grandfather, Dave, was born. As a young boy, Dave moved to Manchester with his parents, eventually settling in Stockport—a town in Greater Manchester, just 8 miles southeast of Manchester. This is where Taylor grew up and where he still calls home. Stockport has produced its fair share of talent, including England internationals Phil Foden and Kobbie Mainoo. Taylor himself has often spoken fondly of the town, saying, “There’s just something in the air in Stockport. It’s a good town, good people, good family club—Stockport County Football Club.”
Ethnicity:
Taylor Harwood-Bellis is of White British ethnicity and has roots in England. His family lineage is deeply tied to both Preston, Lancashire, and Stockport and Manchester, known for their working-class traditions. While there’s no public indication of a diverse ethnic background, especially one that involves an Irish heritage, giving that he is married to Roy Keane’s daughter Leah.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis Education:
The English Defender started his education at Stockport School, which he attended from 2013 to 2015. However, the demands of balancing football with academics at Manchester City’s academy led him to transfer to St Bede’s College, thanks to a scholarship sponsored by the club. This partnership between Manchester City’s Academy and St Bede’s College, established in 2011, has grown stronger over the years, nurturing many talented players.
Taylor is part of an impressive legacy of Man City academy graduates who studied at St Bede’s College. Notable alumni include Tosin Adarabioyo (Class of 2014), Jadon Sancho and Phil Foden (Class of 2016), Felix Nmecha and Jeremie Frimpong (Class of 2017), and his own Class of 2018, which included Tommy Doyle and Cole Palmer. The tradition continued with James McAtee, James Trafford (Class of 2019) and Rico Lewis (Class of 2021). These connections highlight the strong link between football excellence and academic support at the college.
At his former school, Stockport School, Taylor Harwood-Bellis is celebrated as one of their proudest success stories in football. During a memorable visit, the school warmly welcomed him back as he presented them with his signed England U17 shirt. It was a moment of pride and inspiration for students and staff alike, showcasing how special it is when successful alumni return to their roots to give back and inspire the next generation.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis Biography: Football Story:
From the moment Taylor Harwood-Bellis decided to build his football career, his late grandfather Dave’s words of wisdom guided him. It was Dave who inspired Taylor’s love for Manchester City, thanks to their countless weekend trips to watch the team play. Even when his grandfather’s health began to decline, he made sure Taylor continued those visits, ensuring he had the support he needed. By then, Taylor had already joined Manchester City’s academy and was taking his first steps toward building the foundation of his career—a dream his grandfather always believed in.
Road to Fame Story:
At Manchester City’s academy, Taylor Harwood-Bellis found himself surrounded by influential mentors like John Stones and Kyle Walker. Both are big personalities and leaders who have been there to support him on and off the pitch, making them great role models to learn from. However, it was Vincent Kompany who left the most significant mark on Taylor’s development. Reflecting on his time under the legendary defender, Taylor shared how much he grew both as a player and as a person thanks to Kompany’s guidance. He described learning from the former City captain as one of the best experiences of his career, a defining chapter in his journey.
As Taylor Harwood-Bellis was just beginning to make his mark as a professional footballer, life threw a painful curveball his way. He lost his beloved grandfather, Dave Bellis, at what should have been one of the brightest moments of his career. The timing couldn’t have been more challenging—Taylor’s granddad’s funeral coincided with an important juncture in his journey, as he had the chance to prove himself to Manchester City’s boss, Pep Guardiola, during the team’s pre-season tour to China.
Managing the pains of a Loss:
Struggling with grief, Taylor found himself torn between family obligations and a career-defining opportunity. Just as he began training with the first team, he received the news that he was on the list for the tour. Summoning courage, Taylor approached Guardiola to explain his situation and ask for permission to miss the trip for his grandfather’s funeral.
Pep’s response was nothing short of compassionate and understanding. He assured Taylor that missing the tour wouldn’t affect his standing with the team and even encouraged him to prioritize his family during such a difficult time. True to his word, Guardiola left the door open for Taylor to join the squad in China if he felt ready.
A lifelong Manchester City fan, his granddad’s passion for the club ran deep. In a final, poignant act, he was cremated in his sky blue City shirt. Before he passed, his last words to Taylor were simple yet powerful: “Do it for City!” Those words, spoken with love and conviction, became a guiding force for Taylor.
Taylor ultimately impressed Guardiola during the pre-season, a performance that cemented his place within the City first-team framework. It was a bittersweet moment—a testament to his resilience in the face of loss and a reflection of the support he received from a manager who believed in him both as a player and as a person.
Rise to Fame Story:
As Manchester City continued to place immense trust in their homegrown talent, Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ reputation grew steadily at the youth level for England. In 2019, his leadership qualities were recognized when he was chosen to captain the England Under-17 team at the UEFA European Under-17 Championship. This was just the beginning of his rise, as he soon made his mark at higher levels.
On 27 August 2021, Taylor took another step forward in his career by receiving his first call-up to the England U21 team. His leadership skills continued to shine, and on 14 June 2023, he was named the captain of the England U21 squad for the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. Under his guidance, England triumphed, winning the tournament with a 1-0 victory over Spain in the final.
Taylor’s leadership was a key factor in the team’s success, and he stood proudly alongside a group of talented players, including Angel Gomes, Ben Johnson, Curtis Jones, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Harvey Elliott—many of whom have gone on to achieve great things in the football world.
Senior Football Rise:
Recognizing that it would be tough to break into Manchester City’s central defence alongside Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji, Taylor Harwood-Bellis made the decision to go on loan in order to gain more first-team experience. His journey took him to Blackburn Rovers, Anderlecht, Stoke City, and even to Burnley, where he played under the legendary Vincent Kompany. But it was with Southampton that Taylor truly made his mark.
At Southampton, he played a key role in their successful push for promotion to the Premier League, helping the team secure a dramatic win over Leeds in the play-off final at Wembley. His impressive performances for the Saints in the 2024/2025 season didn’t go unnoticed, and Taylor was rewarded with a call-up to the full England squad by Lee Carsley, the interim manager, and former Ireland international. This recognition marked a major milestone in Taylor’s career, reflecting his growth and determination.
A memorable moment:
Taylor Harwood-Bellis was with his fiancée when he received the life-changing call from Lee Carsley informing him that he had been selected for the full England squad. At first, he could hardly believe it. “It was a feeling of pride,” he said. “I was with my partner when I got the news, and then I called my dad. He was incredibly proud, especially since I’d represented England through the age groups, and now I was stepping up to the senior team. All my family were thrilled.”
One of the first to reach out to congratulate him was Aaron Ramsdale, a close friend from their time together at Southampton. Aaron sent a message straight away, and Taylor was touched by the support from his teammate.
In a twist of irony, Taylor Harwood-Bellis made his England debut against the Republic of Ireland, a match where his father-in-law happened to be working as a match analyst. What followed surprised many, as Taylor scored against the country his father-in-law hailed from, Ireland. The moment caught the attention of football fans, but it was Roy Keane’s reaction that everyone was waiting for. When asked about the situation, Keane jokingly remarked that his daughter’s marriage to Taylor wasn’t “done and dusted” yet and that things could change quickly in the Keane household.
Fortunately for Taylor, the situation didn’t escalate, and he was given the all-clear to continue with his wedding plans. In the end, everything went smoothly, and as they say, the rest is history.
Love Life:
England defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis and his girlfriend Leah Keane began making public appearances together in 2019, shortly after Taylor graduated from Manchester City’s academy. This was just a year after he completed his studies at St Bede’s College. It’s known that Leah and Taylor went to the same school, and they’ve always seemed well-grounded, with a strong bond of friendship and love. Leah, however, isn’t one to seek the spotlight, and her father prefers to keep family moments out of the public eye and off social media.
The Engagement:
For years, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Leah Keane kept their relationship mostly private, staying out of the spotlight on social media. However, in recent times, they decided to share their love story with the world. In the summer of 2024, the couple got engaged. On June 13, 2024, Taylor proposed in a beautifully planned ceremony, renting a yacht with the stunning backdrop of Positano on Italy’s Amalfi Coast.
After their engagement, fans who weren’t familiar with Leah Keane were quick to learn more about her, and to their surprise, they discovered that she is the daughter of Manchester United legend Roy Keane. While their relationship didn’t make headlines at the time, everything changed on November 7, 2024, when Taylor Harwood-Bellis was called up to the England first team by interim manager Lee Carsley. During the match, the commentator revealed to the world that Taylor was Roy Keane’s future son-in-law. Taylor’s name quickly went viral after he scored a goal in his debut match for England, playing against Roy Keane’s home country.
Untold Facts:
In the final section of Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ Biography, we’ll unveil more truths you might not know about him. Without further ado, let’s get started.
FIFA Profile:
Taylor Harwood-Bellis is the kind of center-back who brings an impressive mix of talent and key attributes to the game. Known for his strength in aerial duels, his jumping ability stands out as one of his greatest assets. Defensively, Taylor shines with top-tier skills in areas like defensive awareness, standing tackles, and interceptions, making him a formidable presence at the back.
What truly sets him apart is his mentality. Taylor combines aggression, composure, and sharp game-reading skills, making him a well-rounded defender with a natural leadership edge. Despite his accomplishments—most notably captaining England’s Under-21 team to a UEFA European Championship victory—his EA Sports FC 24 stats seem to undervalue him. With an overall rating of 75 and a potential of 82, many feel these numbers don’t do justice to his abilities or achievements.
Now, with a senior England call-up and a goal on his debut, it’s only a matter of time before his in-game stats get the boost they clearly deserve. Taylor’s journey is just beginning, and the future looks bright for this talented defender.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis Wages:
According to SOFIFA, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, the England centre-back, earns a weekly salary of €40,000, which is approximately £33,361. When broken down, that adds up to £144,786 per month and an impressive £1,737,440 per year. It’s quite a substantial income for a 22-year-old footballer.
However, compared to some of his teammates at Southampton, Taylor’s earnings are relatively modest. Despite his talent and contributions, his wages fall short of the higher-paid players at the club, making it clear there’s still room for his financial growth in the game.
How Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ Earnings Stack Up Against Other Southampton Players
Did you know? Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ close friend, Aaron Ramsdale, tops the earnings chart at Southampton, pulling in an impressive £120,000 per week, which adds up to £6.24 million annually. Following him are Jan Bednarek and Joe Aribo, who earn £70,000 weekly (£3.64 million annually). Maxwel Cornet and Adam Armstrong round out the top earners, making £65,000 and £60,000 per week, respectively. Quite the payday lineup at the Saints!
Harwood-Bellis Religion:
It’s worth noting that Taylor likely joins the ranks of many English footballers who identify as Christians. While he doesn’t openly declare his faith in public, there are indications that he may lean toward Catholicism. However, from what’s visible, Taylor doesn’t appear to be deeply vocal or engaged in religious matters in the public eye, suggesting that faith, for him, might be more personal than outwardly expressed.
End Note:
Taylor Harwood-Bellis’s story is a testament to the strength of family ties, determination, and a deep love for the game. From the football conversations with his late granddad, Dave Bellis, to the support of his dad, Martin, who once donned the costume of Stockport County’s mascot, Vernon Bear, Taylor’s journey has always been intertwined with his family. The bond he shared with his granddad, who inspired his love for Manchester City, remains a cornerstone of his career. Even as he transitioned into professional football, his granddad’s words, “Do it for City,” continued to fuel his ambition.
His dad and uncle Steve, the president of Stockport County, represent a family deeply rooted in sports. His twin sister, Becky, adds another layer of athletic excellence, having represented Great Britain in basketball. Their sibling dynamic—Taylor providing confidence and Becky grounding him—illustrates how their talents complement one another, despite their different paths. Taylor often reflects on their shared love for competition, especially in their backyard basketball games, which have cemented their sibling rivalry in the most positive way.
Adding a fascinating twist to his personal life, Taylor is now engaged to Leah Keane, daughter of footballing legend Roy Keane. While Roy’s reputation as a fiery midfielder contrasts with Taylor’s calm personality, the mutual respect is evident. Taylor often leans on Roy’s insights about the game, finding inspiration and guidance from someone who has seen football at its peak. Leah’s presence has added balance to Taylor’s life, blending her father’s sharp footballing mind with her unwavering support.
Final Notes:
Taylor’s humility shines through as he navigates his growing career. Despite earning recognition in England’s senior setup and making an impact at Southampton, he remains grounded. His roots in Stockport, where football weekends were family affairs, and his memories of cheering for City in the stands, serve as reminders of how far he’s come.
As Taylor looks ahead, he carries the pride of his family, the memory of his granddad, and the inspiration of those closest to him. Whether it’s his mother, father, sister, uncle, or even his future father-in-law, each family member has contributed to his growth. Together, they form a foundation that keeps him focused on his dream—playing at the highest level while honouring the values instilled in him from a young age.
Appreciation Note:
Thank you so much for taking the time to read Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ story. We really care about providing accurate and fair accounts in the football stories we share, especially about England’s footballers. We’ve had the privilege of telling the stories of players like Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Carney Chukwuemeka, and we aim to do the same for Taylor.
If you spot any mistakes or feel something doesn’t quite look right in this memoir about Roy Keane’s son-in-law, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We’d also love to hear your thoughts on Taylor’s rise in football and the story we’ve shared about him. Your feedback is always appreciated!