On 20 February, Tottenham Hotspur officially announced that Dele returns to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday as our special guest for the north London derby (4.30pm UK).

Official Statement

Dele returns to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday as our special guest for the north London derby (4.30pm UK).

One of the most popular players of the modern era – 67 goals in 269 appearances in all competitions – the attacking midfielder won the hearts of Spurs fans over his seven years in Lilywhite, 2015-22. It says it all that his song ‘we’ve got Dele…’ was the first sung by fans at the new stadium, ahead of opening night against Palace in April, 2019.

Supporters will be able to serenade him again at half-time on Sunday, when he will no doubt reminisce about some magical Spurs memories with Paul Coyte.

Snapped up from MK Dons in February, 2015, Dele remained at MK for the rest of that 2014/15 season, spearheading them to promotion from League One – he was voted the Football League’s Young Player of the Season.

Dele was phenomenal once he pulled on the Lilywhite shirt. He was voted PFA Young Player of the Year and named in the PFA’s Team of the Year in 2015/16 and 2016/17. His stunning turn and volley at Palace won Match of the Day’s 2015/16 Goal of the Season. He scored twice in huge wins against Real Madrid in the UCL and Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in 2017/18. He scored again in a 3-1 win against the Blues in 2018/19, then added a delicious chip in the Carabao Cup win at Arsenal to his highlights reel. He set up Lucas Moura’s famous UCL semi-final winner at Ajax, and started eight games on the road to Madrid, including the final.

Internationally, Dele was part of England’s Euro 2016 and 2018 FIFA World Cup squads, memorably scoring in the quarter-final win against Sweden as the Three Lions reached the semi-finals in Russia. He went on to earn 37 caps.

Dele eventually moved to Everton in February, 2022 and has since had spells at Everton, Besiktas and Como