
Ben Godfrey is an English professional footballer whose journey from York City’s academy to the highest levels of European football was strongly influenced by his family. Born Benjamin Matthew Godfrey on January 15, 1998, in York, England, the defender grew up in a sporting household led by his parents, Alex and Sharon Godfrey.
While information about Ben Godfrey’s parents is well documented, the footballer maintains greater privacy around his partner, child and possible siblings. Here is everything publicly known about Ben Godfrey’s family.
Who is Ben Godfrey’s partner?
Ben Godfrey has been publicly associated with a woman named Holly. Reports shared in 2022 described Holly as his girlfriend when the couple were expecting their first child.
In May 2024, reports based on a social-media announcement indicated that Godfrey and Holly had become engaged. However, the couple have kept most aspects of their relationship outside mainstream media coverage. Holly’s full name, occupation and personal background have not been widely documented by reliable publications.
Godfrey generally uses his public platform to discuss football rather than his relationship. This approach has allowed the couple to maintain a relatively private family life despite his career in the public eye.
Is Ben Godfrey married?
Ben Godfrey was reported to have become engaged to Holly in 2024, but there has been no widely documented confirmation that the couple have since married. Therefore, Holly is more accurately described publicly as his partner or fiancée unless either of them confirms a wedding.
Reports that describe Godfrey as married should be treated cautiously because no confirmed wedding date or official marriage announcement has been widely published.
Does Ben Godfrey have children?
Ben Godfrey and Holly announced in 2022 that they were expecting their first child. Subsequent public posts and reports have indicated that the footballer became a father.
However, Godfrey has protected his child’s privacy. The child’s name, exact date of birth and other identifying details have not been reliably documented by major publications. This limited information appears to be a deliberate decision by the family to keep their young child away from unnecessary public attention.
Godfrey has occasionally referred to the importance of his family, but he has not made parenthood a major subject of his interviews. His child consequently remains largely outside the spotlight.
Who are Ben Godfrey’s parents?
Ben Godfrey’s parents are Alex Godfrey and Sharon Godfrey. Both played important but different roles during his childhood and early football career in York.
His father’s experience as a professional athlete gave Ben an early understanding of the discipline and commitment required to succeed in elite sport. His mother, meanwhile, provided a supportive family environment as he progressed through school football and youth academies.
Who is Ben Godfrey’s father, Alex Godfrey?
Ben Godfrey’s father, Alex Godfrey, is a former professional rugby league player. He represented clubs including York and Hull Kingston Rovers during his playing career. After retiring from professional rugby, Alex worked in education and was identified as a tutor at York College.
Growing up with a former professional athlete as his father helped Ben understand the physical and mental demands of competitive sport. Alex could offer advice based on his own experiences with training, competition and the pressure associated with playing professionally.
Despite this sporting connection, Ben has joked that people frequently focus on his father’s rugby career. Alex did not pressure his son into following the same sport, and Ben instead developed his ability as a footballer.
Ben began playing in York and spent time in the youth systems of York City and Middlesbrough. His father’s sporting background offered valuable support as he dealt with academy setbacks and worked toward becoming a professional footballer.
Who is Ben Godfrey’s mother, Sharon Godfrey?
Ben Godfrey’s mother is Sharon Godfrey. In an interview about his family, the defender revealed that his mother had worked as a hairdresser.
Unlike Alex, Sharon was not publicly associated with professional sport. Nevertheless, she was an important part of the stable family background that supported Ben throughout his development.
Sharon has maintained a low public profile and does not regularly appear in media interviews. Details about her personal life are consequently limited, but Ben’s comments have confirmed her identity and former profession.
Ben Godfrey’s Jamaican family heritage
Ben Godfrey is English and was born in York, but he also has Jamaican heritage through his paternal grandfather. This means the Jamaican side of his family comes through his father, Alex Godfrey.
Godfrey ultimately represented England internationally. After appearing for the country at under-20 and under-21 level, he made his senior England debut in June 2021.
Does Ben Godfrey have siblings?
There is no reliable public information confirming whether Ben Godfrey has any biological brothers or sisters. The names and personal details of possible siblings have not been documented in established interviews or trustworthy profiles.
Godfrey has occasionally used words such as “brother” when speaking about close friends or teammates, but this should not be interpreted as confirmation that those individuals are his biological siblings.
Until Godfrey or a member of his family provides further information, his sibling status should be considered private and unconfirmed.
How Ben Godfrey’s family influenced his football career
Ben Godfrey’s family provided an important foundation during a career that included several early challenges. After spending time at York City, he joined Middlesbrough’s academy but was later released. He also had unsuccessful trials before returning to York City and continuing his development.
His father’s professional rugby background likely gave him a useful example of resilience. Godfrey eventually made his senior debut for York City as a teenager before joining Norwich City in 2016.
He later established himself at Norwich, earned a major transfer to Everton and represented England at senior level. His progress demonstrated the persistence that was encouraged within his sporting family.
Frequently asked questions about Ben Godfrey’s family
Who is Ben Godfrey’s partner?
Ben Godfrey’s publicly known partner is named Holly. The couple were reported to be expecting their first child in 2022 and became engaged in 2024.
Is Ben Godfrey married to Holly?
There is no widely reported confirmation that Ben Godfrey and Holly are married. They were publicly reported as engaged in 2024.
Does Ben Godfrey have a child?
Yes. Public announcements indicated that Godfrey and Holly were expecting their first child in 2022, and subsequent reports have referred to the footballer as a father. The family has kept the child’s personal details private.
Who is Ben Godfrey’s father?
Ben Godfrey’s father is Alex Godfrey, a retired professional rugby league player who represented York and Hull Kingston Rovers. He later worked as a college tutor.
Who is Ben Godfrey’s mother?
Ben Godfrey’s mother is Sharon Godfrey, who previously worked as a hairdresser. She maintains a private life away from football coverage.
Does Ben Godfrey have any siblings?
Ben Godfrey has not publicly confirmed having brothers or sisters. Reliable information about possible siblings is currently unavailable.
Where is Ben Godfrey’s family from?
Ben Godfrey was born and raised in York, North Yorkshire, England. He also has Jamaican ancestry through his paternal grandfather.

Filepe Junior is a football writer tracking La Liga transfers, covering major signings, squad planning, and player movements across Spanish clubs.
