Inside the lives of Love Island footballers from tragic death to love triangle drama

Reality TV and football have collided once again with the return of sports star Ronnie Vint to Love Island All Stars. The infamous villa, a hotspot for footballers looking for love or a new adventure, welcomed Ronnie back to South Africa’s Western Cape on Monday [13 January] evening.

Hot on the heels of his previous quest for romance in series 11, Ronnie, who’s also mates with Olivia Attwood and footballer Bradley Dack, is giving love another shot and has already paired up with Essex reality star Elma Pazar. Last time around, he left the show hand-in-hand with Harriett Blackmore after a tough decision between her and Jess White, but their love fizzled out post-villa.

Ronnie opened up about his past experiences and his growth since then, saying: “I learnt so much from my experience last time. I left with Harriett, and from the time we left, I thought it was going well, but obviously, it ended.”

He continued: “In the Villa I was always in ‘triangles’ and what not, but I feel like I’ve grown up a lot since then. You have to wise up. So, not in a bad way to Harriett, but I’m in a good position to find someone now and move on.”

Thanks to LeoVegas, we take a stroll down memory lane and check out which footballers have traded their boots for the sizzling Love Island fire pits in memorable throwbacks, reports the Mirror.

Ronnie Vint

Ronnie, who currently plays for Ashford United since July 2024, kicked off his football career as a defender in non-league football with Dartford FC. His leadership skills and defensive prowess were evident in the National League South, where he made 119 appearances and netted six goals.

The 28 year old found himself in hot water on the new series of All Stars when Olivia Hawkins revealed that he had tried to slide into her DMs while still involved with Harriett. Ronnie defended himself by saying that he and Harriett were never exclusive.

The pair managed to smooth things over – at least for the time being.

Ayo Odukoya

Before becoming a reality star, Ayo Odukoya was juggling a diverse career as a model with Kult Models, featuring in various high-profile shoots, and as a footballer. Ayo, who starred alongside Ronnie, ended up in fourth place with Jess Spencer on the show in 2024.

On the pitch, Ayo is a striker for Redbridge FC in the Isthmian League North. He made quite an impact during the 2023/24 season, scoring eight goals in 38 appearances.

His efforts played a key role in helping the Barkingside-based team win the Essex Senior Cup. However, according to a post on X, he didn’t inform his team that he was heading off to the Love Island villa last June.

Scott van der Sluis

Scott, who was a former footballer before his Love Island stint, has not returned to the sport since leaving Widnes in July last year. He started his career at Manchester United’s academy, moved to Liverpool in 2010, and later played for Swansea and Bangor City.

Before joining Love Island in 2022, Scott made his debut for Shelbourne FC in the Irish Premier Division. However, after appearing on series 10 of Love Island in 2023, it was confirmed that he would not be returning to the club.

Fans will remember Scott for his romance with All Star beauty Catherine Agbaje, which ended when he got cold feet and was dumped from the island.

Tyrique Hyde

Tyrique, son of former Premier League player Micah Hyde, was a fan favourite on the 10th series. Despite his relationship with fellow islander Ella Thomas not working out – they split in February 2024 – Tyrique is now pursuing a career in music and YouTube after leaving his position at Lewes FC, East Sussex.

Tom Clare

Tom, who first made waves as a bombshell in season nine of Love Island and later won the inaugural season of Love Island All Stars with Molly Smith, is also known for his football career. He’s a striker for Macclesfield FC but took a break from the sport to focus on being an influencer after his stint on the reality show.

However, in March 2024, he made a comeback to Macclesfield FC, signing up for the 2024/25 season as Robbie Savage’s team aims for promotion to the National League North.

Toby Aromolaran

Toby Aromolaran, another Love Island alum, plays for the semi-professional YouTube-based team Hashtag United, which competes in the Isthmian League. The 2021 runner-up, who was paired with Chloe Burrows, has since appeared on Celeb Cooking School, Love Island Games, and Love Island All Stars, where he had a complicated relationship with Georgia Steel.

Despite his split from Chloe Burrows in 2022, Toby continues to make headlines in both the football and entertainment worlds. Known as the king of the ‘love square’, Toby has scored nine goals in all competitions during the current campaign for Hashtag.

Aaron Simpson

Aaron Simpson, who joined Love Island as a mid-season bombshell in the seventh series, was a full-back for Hemel Hempstead Town before the show. After Love Island, Aaron continued his football career with Salisbury FC, still playing as a full-back.

Aaron Francis, who fans will remember from Love Island, is now playing for Gainsborough Trinity in the Premier Division of the Northern Premier League. He’s made 24 appearances this season and was part of the team’s inspiring FA Cup run.

Fans will remember when Mary Bedford friend-zoned Aaron on Aftersun after they were dumped from the island.

Dennon Lewis

Dennon Lewis, who appeared during Love Island’s Casa Amor twist in the fifth season, has continued his football career post-show, playing for Boreham Wood and currently Woking FC.

Finn Tapp

Finn Tapp, who won the first winter series of Love Island with Paige Turley in 2020, used to be a defender for Oxford City and most recently, Banbury United. After appearing on the show without club permission, player contracts at Oxford City had to be revised.

Finn has since been active in charity football matches and continues to share his love for the sport.

Mike Boateng

Ex-Sheffield United midfielder Mike Boateng also joined the football-heavy cast of Love Island in 2020. After a short stint with the Blades in 2014, he moved on to non-league Eagley FC.

However, Mike eventually left football to pursue a career in law enforcement. His time on Love Island saw him paired with Priscilla Anyabu, but they left the villa just three days before the final.

Jamie Allen

Jamie Allen, who starred in the 2022 series of Love Island, made waves when he left his football club, Halifax Town, mid-season to join the show. The now 29 year old had made 88 appearances for the club before his abrupt departure.

Since leaving Halifax Town, the Montserrat international’s club football career has seen a downturn. He’s moved down the ranks, playing for Telford United, Curzon Ashton, and currently Workington, in the seventh tier of English football.

Mike Thalassitis

Mike Thalassitis, another Love Island star from season three, was known for his football career before joining the show. He played as a striker for teams like Bishop’s Stortford, Cambridge United and Margate, having started his career at Stevenage.

He also scored twice internationally for Cyprus’ under-19s and 21s sides.

After his stint on Love Island, Mike appeared on Celebs Go Dating. Sadly, he passed away in 2019, leaving behind a legacy both on and off the pitch.

View news Source: https://www.ok.co.uk/tv/inside-love-island-footballers-tragic-34478631