Lloyd Kelly’s Incredible Journey: From Foster Care To Juventus And Champions League Nights

“I’ve come a long way.”

For Lloyd Kelly, those words mean more than most could imagine. The English defender’s path to Juventus — and now to the Champions League spotlight — has been anything but ordinary.

At just seven years old, Kelly was placed in foster care, living with three different families over more than a decade alongside his siblings, Mary and Marcus. Through all the challenges, he never lost sight of who he wanted to become.

“Fostering is something that I will always have a passion for,” Kelly shared. “I know first-hand what the foster care system can do for children. It gives them a sense of home, family, and meaning — and that means a lot.”

Kelly remains close with his last foster mum, Thelma, who has an open invitation to visit him in Turin. Now 27, he’s focused on giving his own son the stability he once longed for. “I want to be that role model,” he said.

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From Newcastle To Juventus — A Bold Leap

Kelly’s move to Juventus wasn’t part of some long-term master plan. Struggling to break into Newcastle’s first team, he received an unexpected call from his agent about a possible move to Italy.

“It was a no-brainer,” he admitted. Within days, he was making his debut in a 2-1 win over Como. But it wasn’t smooth sailing — Juventus crashed out of Europe early, lost the Coppa Italia, and fell 12 points short in Serie A.

The chaos behind the scenes didn’t help either. Manager Thiago Motta was sacked, and sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli — who brought Kelly in — left soon after.

Adjusting to a new culture, language, and tactical system while living away from family wasn’t easy. “It’s always difficult coming to a club with this status,” Kelly said. “The amount of history behind Juventus is huge. The players who’ve been here before me is insane.”

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Finding His Footing Under Tudor

Under new boss Igor Tudor, Kelly has flourished. He’s started all nine matches this season, scoring key goals and showing the composure that once made him one of England’s brightest defensive prospects.

In a thrilling 4-4 draw against Borussia Dortmund, Kelly gave away a penalty late on — but made amends in the best way possible, scoring a 96th-minute equaliser to rescue a point.

“When you walk out and hear the Champions League anthem, it gives you chills,” he said. “At the start of my career, I never thought I’d be here. But being able to experience this is huge.”

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Eyes Still On England

Despite his success in Italy, Kelly hasn’t given up on his dream of playing for England.

“The squad is so strong,” he acknowledged. “But all I can do is play my best football and see where it takes me. With the World Cup coming, it’s a big year.”

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No Regrets, Just Growth

Looking back, Kelly speaks fondly of his time at Newcastle — even though things didn’t go as planned.

“It didn’t work out the way I wanted,” he admitted. “But I bear no ill towards Newcastle. They gave me an opportunity to grow and play at a really good club.”

He still remembers the roar of St James’ Park and is proud to have played a part in Newcastle’s long-awaited Carabao Cup triumph. A medal recognizing his contribution is already on its way to him — a reminder that every step mattered.

And, of course, there’s still admiration for Eddie Howe, who managed him both at Bournemouth and Newcastle. “The amount of players who’ve developed under him is top,” Kelly said. “I’ll always hold him in high regard.”

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A New Chapter In Turin

Walking into the Juventus dressing room — once home to defensive legends like Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini — was a surreal moment.

Now, Kelly is writing his own story among those greats.

“I’ve come a long way,” he said, smiling. “You could say I’m just getting started.”

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