England footballer Kalvin Phillips and girlfriend Ashleigh Behan took to social media on Boxing Day to reveal they have welcomed a baby.
The childhood sweethearts had kept their pregnancy news a secret and shared a gallery of black and white images of their bundle of joy, as well as some pregnancy photos.
The pair seemed thrilled, with make-up artist and first-time mother Ashleigh writing that the baby was ‘the best gift of all.’
They are yet to reveal the name or gender of their first-born.
Kalvin, 28, and Ashleigh, 27, began dating in early 2011. They would have both been just 15-years-old when they met and Kalvin would have been playing for the Leeds United youth team.
England footballer Kalvin Phillips and his childhood sweetheart Ashleigh Behan announced the birth of their first baby on Instagram on Tuesday with this selection of images
Kalvin, 28, and Ashleigh, 27, began dating in early 2011. They would have both been just 15-years-old when they met and Kalvin would have been playing for the Leeds United youth team
Last week, it was reported that Kalvin is open to a new experience with Juventus in Serie A. He will leave Manchester City next month as he looks to gain the regular playing time he has craved since his transfer from Leeds United
He went onto play as a Leeds United midfielder and is now a Manchester City player.
Celebrities and fans filled the comments of the new parents’ joint post with well wishes and congratulations.
Ashleigh, who has accumulated over 35,000 followers, wrote in the caption of the post: ‘The best gift of all.’
The Manchester City Instagram account wrote: ‘Congratulations, Kalvin and Ash!’ While National League North football player Tyler Denton left a love heart emoji.
Kate Kane, who has four children of her own, wrote: ‘Congratulations ❤️❤️.’ Her husband Harry is Kalvin Phillips’ captain on the England squad.
‘Amazing congratulations guys ❤️❤️’, wrote Taylor Ward, Another WAG, whose husband Riyad Karim Mahrez plays for the Saudi Pro League.
Fellow Manchester City star Nathan Ake’s wife Kaylee Rahman left emojis, as did Kennedy Alexa, whose husband James Maddison also plays for England.
Finally, Love Island 2015 star Josh Denzel wrote: ‘Massive congrats.’
Celebrities and fans filled the comments of the new parents’ joint post with well wishes and congratulations
Ashleigh, who has accumulated over 35,000 followers, wrote in the caption of the post: ‘The best gift of all’
Everyone from fellow footballers to a Love Island star piled good vibes and sweet messages on the couple
In 2020, Ashleigh told The Mirror she was in a supermarket when Phillips told her he’d made the England squad for the 2020 Euros.
She screamed and burst into tears when he FaceTimed her with the news and said: ‘The checkout guy thought I was mental.’
Last week, it was reported that Kalvin is open to a new experience with Juventus in Serie A.
He will leave Manchester City next month as he looks to gain the regular playing time he has craved since his transfer from Leeds United.
Though official talks are still to kick in, the Italians are making the early running to sign him. Their budget is limited so that means they want a loan but that suits Phillips.
He wants the opportunity of playing in another top league so that he can add extra qualities to his game.
Kalvin plans to establish himself back in Gareth Southgate’s England plans ahead of the European Championships.
Newcastle United and over a dozen other English and European clubs are understood to have registered interest but the chance to play in Turin under Massimo Allegri appeals.
The loved-up couple are yet to reveal the name or gender of their first-born (stock image)
Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri (left) could offer Phillips away out of City with the midfielder open to a move to the Italian club
He hopes a run of games in Serie A can give him the chance to experience a new culture and rediscover his rhythm ahead of the summer with the aim to be in a better position to take stock of his career then.
The footballer has made 30 appearances since joining for £42million from Leeds United in 2022.
He had interest from the likes of Liverpool in August and was open to that move but the deal failed to develop to the crucial stages.
City boss Pep Guardiola has apologised for failing to find a place for Phillips who has proved a popular member of the City squad, and there is a general acceptance that this window is the right time for him to try somewhere new for the benefit of his career.