Tonali announces personal news after half-time withdrawal in Newcastle 4-3 Leeds

Sandro Tonali and his wife Juliette have announced the birth of their first child, Leonardo, the day after the Italy international’s half-time withdrawal from Newcastle’s 4-3 victory over Leeds United. 

Tonali announces birth of first son

Tonali and his wife Juliette announced the birth of their first child in a social media post on Thursday afternoon, which read: “January 8, 2026 – 08:53. Welcome to the world, baby Leonardo. We love you to the moon and back.” 

The news comes the day after Newcastle’s dramatic 4-3 victory over Leeds in the Premier League. Tonali was named as a starter at St James’ Park, but was taken off along with former Milan defender Malick Thiaw at half-time with the score at 2-1 in favour of the visitors. 

It has not been confirmed either way whether Tonali’s withdrawal was due to the imminent birth of his first child, or whether it was purely down to a technical decision. 

Either way, it must have been a hectic evening for the Italy international, who kicked off against Leeds at 20.15 local time, was taken off just after 21.00 and was present for the birth of his first child in London less than 12 hours later.