Oladapo “Dapo” Afolayan is an English professional footballer who plays as a winger or centre-forward for Blackburn Rovers. Known for his pace, dribbling ability, and versatility in attack, Afolayan has enjoyed a unique football journey that has taken him through England, Canada, Germany, and back to England. After developing in the youth academies of Chelsea, Toronto FC, Barnet, and Tooting & Mitcham United, he played for West Ham United, Oldham Athletic, Mansfield Town, Bolton Wanderers, FC St. Pauli, and Blackburn Rovers. As his profile has grown, many supporters have become interested in Oladapo Afolayan’s family, including his girlfriend, children, parents, and siblings. Despite his growing popularity, Afolayan has chosen to keep much of his personal life private.
Oladapo Afolayan’s Wife
English footballer Oladapo Afolayan (known as Dapo Afolayan) is married to Esme Haugh-King.
The couple celebrated their wedding on June 16, 2025, in a ceremony attended by numerous friends and figures from the world of football, including England international Bukayo Saka. On social media and in messages to fans, the forward affectionately refers to Esme as his “wife and partner.”
Oladapo Afolayan’s Children
Oladapo Afolayan does not have any publicly known children.
There is no verified public information indicating that the English forward is a father. Throughout his professional career, Afolayan has maintained a private personal life away from media attention.
Oladapo Afolayan’s Parents
Oladapo Joshua Afolayan was born on 11 September 1997 in London, England.
The identities of his father and mother have not been publicly disclosed. However, Afolayan has shared aspects of his family’s influence on his life and career.
While he was part of Chelsea’s academy, Afolayan left the club to focus on his GCSE examinations. Shortly afterward, his family relocated to Canada, where he continued both his education and football development. He later returned to England to study civil engineering at Loughborough University while pursuing his football career. This reflects the strong emphasis his family placed on both education and sport.
Afolayan is also of Nigerian heritage, making him eligible to represent Nigeria internationally in addition to England.
Oladapo Afolayan’s Siblings
As of the latest publicly available information, Oladapo Afolayan has not publicly revealed whether he has any brothers or sisters.
There are no verified reports identifying siblings, and the Blackburn Rovers forward has chosen to keep this aspect of his personal life private.
How Family Has Influenced Oladapo Afolayan’s Career
Family has played a significant role in shaping Oladapo Afolayan’s unique football journey.
Unlike many professional footballers, Afolayan balanced his sporting ambitions with academics. After moving to Canada with his family as a teenager, he continued his education while playing youth football before returning to England to study civil engineering at Loughborough University.
His determination to pursue both education and football helped him progress from non-league football with Solihull Moors to the Premier League with West Ham United, before establishing himself at Bolton Wanderers, earning promotion to the Bundesliga with FC St. Pauli, and later joining Blackburn Rovers. His story is often cited as an example of perseverance and the value of maintaining educational opportunities alongside a football career.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Oladapo Afolayan have a wife?
Yes. English footballer Oladapo Afolayan (known as Dapo Afolayan) is married to Esme Haugh-King.
Does Oladapo Afolayan have children?
No. There is no verified public information indicating that Oladapo Afolayan has children.
Who are Oladapo Afolayan’s parents?
The identities of Oladapo Afolayan’s parents have not been publicly disclosed. However, they moved with him to Canada during his teenage years and supported his education and football development.
Does Oladapo Afolayan have siblings?
There is no publicly confirmed information regarding whether Oladapo Afolayan has any brothers or sisters.
Which clubs has Oladapo Afolayan played for?
Oladapo Afolayan has played professionally for West Ham United, Oldham Athletic (loan), Mansfield Town (loan), Bolton Wanderers (loan and permanent), FC St. Pauli, and Blackburn Rovers. He also represented the England C national team.
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
