Spurs Star James Maddison Has FIVE Kids Under Four (Including Two Sets Of Twins) — And His Life Sounds Like Absolute Chaos 👶⚽

Stop scrolling, because James Maddison just gave the most chaotic and heartwarming interview of the year — and we are NOT okay. 😭

The Tottenham midfielder sat down with BBC Sport and casually dropped that he and his partner have five children aged four and under, including not one but TWO sets of twins. Yes, really.

And get this: his second set of twins arrived while he was recovering from a ruptured ACL that kept him out for almost the entire 2025-26 season. Talk about being thrown into the deep end.

"We've Been In The Trenches"

According to BBC Sport, Maddison called it the "toughest year of his life" — and honestly, we can't even imagine.

"A lot of nappies flying about, a lot of accidents at home, but it'll all be worth it," the 29-year-old said. "We still love it. I wouldn't change it for the world."

The Premier League star missed 375 days of football after rupturing his ACL last August, and during that time his partner gave birth to their second set of twins. He said he "needed that positive distraction" of his partner being pregnant to help him through the trauma of his knee injury.

But here's the bit that absolutely broke us: his eldest son Leo, who's now four and a half, actually thought his dad had LEFT Tottenham because he'd been away from the pitch for so long.

His Son Forgot He Was A Footballer

"I missed a year of football, and a year in a child's life - from three and a half to four and a half - it's obviously massive," Maddison explained.

"He couldn't even remember over a year ago when he was at all the games."

The midfielder said it would be "nice" for Leo to come to games again and "actually remember Dad playing instead of just Dad sat at home watching him with a machine on his knee."

BRB, we're crying. 😭

The Tea ☕

Here's what went down:

• James Maddison has five kids aged four and under — including TWO sets of twins
• His second set of twins was born while he was recovering from a ruptured ACL injury
• He missed 375 days of football and called it the "toughest year of his life"
• His eldest son Leo thought he'd quit Tottenham because he'd been injured for so long
• He credits his family with helping him get through the trauma

De Zerbi Let Them Bond Over Beers

There's more! Maddison also revealed some behind-the-scenes details about new Spurs boss Roberto de Zerbi, who took over in March when the club was fighting relegation (they stayed up by just two points — yikes).

One of the first things the Italian manager did? Organised a team meal where alcohol was allowed.

"He said, 'We're all going to be drinking alcohol, we're all going to be having a good night,'" Maddison recalled. "He wanted us to have a night where we all just relax."

De Zerbi even told Maddison — who wasn't fit to play yet — that he could "come on the bench in my slippers if I want" just to be around the group. The midfielder took it as a "massive compliment."

And it worked: Spurs managed to steer clear of relegation danger, and Maddison returned to action against Leeds on 11 May.

What's Next?

The midfielder hasn't been risked in pre-season yet, but he's confident about the season ahead.

"I'm working so hard to try and be fully fit and available for the majority of the season," he said. "I want just a fully fit, healthy season where I can just enjoy football."

Fair enough, mate — just maybe get some sleep first? With five kids under four, we're guessing that's not happening anytime soon. 😅

Do you think Maddison will have a comeback season, or is he going to be too exhausted from nappy duty? Let us know below!

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Sources:

• BBC Sport: James Maddison on how having five young children helped distract from injury