Published on 14.07.2023
Everton midfielder reveals sexual abuse trauma and time in rehab.
“At six, I was molested by my mum’s friend who was at the house a lot. My mum was an alcoholic.”
“I was sent to Africa to learn discipline. Then I was sent back. Seven, I started smoking. Eight I started dealing drugs, selling drugs.
“Eleven, I was hung off a bridge by a guy from the next estate. At 12, I was adopted. And from then, I was adopted by an amazing family, I couldn’t have asked for better people to do what they’ve done for me…If God created people, it was them. They are amazing and have helped me a lot.”
In the French Ligue 1 season 2022/23, Kylian Mbappe played 29 matches (plus 2 as a sub). He had 73 shots on target from a total of 103 shots and scored 26.
It’s incredibly brave of Dele to tell his story with such honesty and hearing him speak with such openness is really amazing.
His desire to use his own experiences to act as an inspiration to others is something that grades him as an actual icon.
