Ellyes Skhiri comes from a French-Tunisian family with strong connections to football. The midfielder was born and raised in Lunel, France, but chose to represent Tunisia, his father’s country, at international level. Skhiri is extremely private about his home life, although his parents, brother and long-term partner have been identified in public reports.
Who Is Ellyes Skhiri’s Wife or Girlfriend?
Ellyes Skhiri has been publicly linked to a woman named Joanna, whose name has also appeared as Joana in some German photo captions. She accompanied him when he moved to Cologne after joining 1. FC Köln from Montpellier in 2019.
The couple attended several public events together during Skhiri’s first period in Germany, including a 1. FC Köln carnival celebration in February 2020. German publications initially described Joanna as his girlfriend, while later Tunisian reports referred to her as his wife.
Skhiri has not publicly shared details about their wedding or clarified when their marital status may have changed. It is therefore safest to describe Joanna as his long-term partner unless the couple provides an official marriage announcement.
Does Ellyes Skhiri Have Children?
Reports published in 2022 indicated that Skhiri’s partner was expecting a child. The midfielder reportedly postponed joining a Tunisia national-team training camp because he wanted to remain with her during that period.
As of now, Skhiri has not publicly announced details about the child’s birth, name or gender. Established player profiles also provide no confirmed information about whether the couple has welcomed additional children.
Consequently, reports suggest that Skhiri became a father in 2022, but the private details surrounding his child should not be presented as confirmed facts without a direct statement from the family.
Who Is Ellyes Skhiri’s Father?
Ellyes Skhiri’s father is Slem Skhiri, a Tunisian former footballer with a long association with Gallia Club Lunel. Slem moved from Tunisia to France and became an important figure in the local football community where his sons grew up.
During his playing career, Slem almost earned an opportunity with Montpellier. However, an injury during a trial prevented him from completing the move. He later spent a short period with AS Béziers before returning to Gallia Club Lunel.
Slem achieved several regional promotions and cup successes with Gallia. His experience also influenced Ellyes and helped introduce him to the sport at an early age. Ellyes began playing for Gallia Club Lunel when he was approximately four years old before entering Montpellier’s academy.
Who Is Ellyes Skhiri’s Mother?
Ellyes Skhiri’s mother is named Isabelle and is French. Unlike her husband, she has maintained a private life and has not given regular interviews about her son’s football career.
Having a Tunisian father and French mother gave Skhiri a connection to both countries. He holds French and Tunisian nationality and has spoken positively about both sides of his background.
Skhiri was raised in France and developed within the French football system, but his relationship with his father’s homeland influenced his decision to represent Tunisia. He has explained that many members of his extended family still live in Tunisia, while much of the family also remains in France.
Who Is Ellyes Skhiri’s Brother?
Ellyes Skhiri has a brother named Yannis Skhiri. The brothers grew up together in Lunel and regularly accompanied their father to football grounds when they were young.
Slem recalled that Ellyes and Yannis would finish their schoolwork before joining him beside the pitch, regardless of the weather. These experiences helped make football an important part of their childhood.
Yannis has not achieved the same international public profile as Ellyes, and information about his occupation and personal life remains limited. He should not be confused with unrelated athletes who share the Skhiri surname.
Ellyes Skhiri’s French-Tunisian Family Background
Ellyes Joris Skhiri was born on May 10, 1995, in Lunel, a town in southern France. His multicultural upbringing allowed him to identify strongly with both France and Tunisia.
Skhiri represented Tunisia for the first time at senior level in 2018 and subsequently appeared at major international competitions. He has described playing for the country of his father and extended family as a source of pride.
His family’s football influence began with Slem at Gallia Club Lunel. Ellyes followed the same path before joining Montpellier, where he progressed from the academy into the senior team. His career later took him to Germany, where he represented 1. FC Köln and Eintracht Frankfurt before returning to Köln in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ellyes Skhiri’s wife?
Skhiri’s long-term partner is named Joanna, sometimes written as Joana. Some reports describe her as his wife, although the couple has not publicly shared details of a wedding.
Does Ellyes Skhiri have a girlfriend?
German media previously identified Joanna as his girlfriend. Later reports referred to her as his wife or partner.
Does Ellyes Skhiri have children?
Reports indicated that his partner was expecting a child in 2022. However, Skhiri has not publicly disclosed the child’s name, gender or exact birth date.
Who is Ellyes Skhiri’s father?
His father is Slem Skhiri, a Tunisian former footballer closely associated with Gallia Club Lunel.
Who is Ellyes Skhiri’s mother?
His mother is a French woman named Isabelle who maintains a private profile.
Does Ellyes Skhiri have a brother?
Yes. Ellyes has a brother named Yannis Skhiri, with whom he grew up in Lunel.
Is Ellyes Skhiri French or Tunisian?
Skhiri has French and Tunisian heritage. He was born and raised in France but represents Tunisia internationally.
Where does Ellyes Skhiri’s family live?
Skhiri has said that much of his family lives in France, while many members of his extended family remain in Tunisia.
Wilson Gaspar is a football analyst covering the UEFA Champions League, focusing on match previews, tactical reviews, and the performance of Europe’s top clubs throughout the competition.
