Walker’s personal life has been the subject of intense media scrutiny in recent years after it came out in public that he had fathered two children, Kairo, 4, and Kinara, 13 months, with model Lauryn Goodman following an affair that led to a widely-publicised paternity scandal. The defender also shares four children with his wife, Annie Kilner: Roman, 11, Riaan, 7, Reign, 5, and their youngest, five-month-old Rezon. And this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament reignited the controversy when Lauryn’s children were spotted wearing football kits with Walker’s number and the word 'Daddy' emblazoned on them.

Lauryn had previously claimed that Walker had purchased the kits for Kairo and Kinara, sparking rumours that the footballer was actively involved in their design. However, a source has now refuted those claims, telling the Daily Mail that while Walker did buy a plain kit for Kairo, he had no role in the personalisation and printing on the back.

A source told the Daily Mail: "Kyle bought one plain kit for Kairo and then Lauryn went out and bought another for Kinara. She had them both personalised with 'Daddy' and his number herself. That aspect had nothing to do with Kyle."

This clarification came after Walker’s sons from his marriage to Annie were also seen wearing his No. 2 shirt at England’s matches during the summer, making the situation more publicly visible.

The relationship between Walker, his wife Annie, and Lauryn has been fraught with tension ever since news of the affair broke. Annie, who has supported her husband throughout the Euros by attending all the matches, was spotted with other WAGs during the tournament while Lauryn was at a separate stand. She attended England’s match against Denmark at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt and was photographed arriving at the stadium with Kairo in her arms, the young boy waving an England flag, further fuelling public interest in the complicated family dynamic.

Off the pitch, Walker is facing professional challenges as well. He was recently omitted from the England squad by new national team manager Lee Carsley for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. He admitted to being "disappointed" by the decision, particularly given his long-standing role as a key figure in England’s defence. But he is determined to reclaim his berth by first sealing the starting spot at Manchester City, particularly as he competes with rising star Rico Lewis for a place in Pep Guardiola’s starting line-up. City are set to return to Premier League action on September 14 against Brentford.