Who is Joe Thompson’s wife Chantelle Perry and how many children did she share with the late Man Utd footballer?

MANCHESTER United have paid tribute to former footballer Joe Thompson, who has sadly passed away from cancer at the age of 36.  

The club offered their heartfelt support to his family, stating that their thoughts are very much with them during this incredibly difficult time. Here’s what we know about his wife, Chantelle Perry, and their children.

Who is Joe Thompson’s wife, Chantelle Perry?

Chantelle Perry is the wife of former English professional footballer, Joe Thompson.

The pair married in 2016 after dating for a long time.

Sadly, the ex-Rochdale player, who retired at the age of 29 in 2019, faced an uphill battle with his health.

He was diagnosed with cancer for a third time in 2024.

In a tribute to her husband, who died on April 17, 2025, Chantelle wrote on Instagram: “Our brave and courageous Joey passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning, he was at home where he wanted to be in a beautiful peaceful setting surrounding by his family when he transitioned.

“Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.

“He was the most Incredible husband,son,brother,friend & father to our beautiful daughters who will now carry his light and legacy on and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joes love every single day.”

Chantelle added: “It’s been a long battle, and one that he fought with all his might and he did things HIS way!! 

“He choose his path and walked every step with courage and pride growing closer and closer to god each day whilst still being there for so many others. 

“He held on to his plans for the future to continue that legacy but It’s now time for him to rest up and watch over us from heaven.

“I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy. Long may his legacy and impact live on!!”

Chantelle herself is a beauty entrepreneur and set up the Perriee Spa back in 2015 in Prestwich. 

By then, she’d already been styling hair for 13 years and had spent the last decade perfecting her own techniques for fitting hair extensions.

According to Company House, she still holds a number of senior roles in her beauty businesses, however, she generally keeps a low profile.

She was just 27 when Joe was first diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013, while he was playing for Tranmere. 

He was given the all-clear a year later, but sadly had to face the disease again in 2017.

Speaking in 2019, Joe said he owed so much to Chantelle and their family for standing by him through it all.

He told the Liverpool Echo: “I owe it to my body and also to my family who have all seen me go through hell on more than one occasion. 

“You have all been my light in my darkest days.”

Joe said: “It’s definitely going to be a challenge and of course I get really down some days but what I need is people around me to take my mind off it because if I’m on my own for too long I just think about everything too much.

She’s been my motivation through some really dark and hard times.

Joe Thomspson

“I have my loved ones to keep me strong and I’m so lucky to have such a fantastic family.

“As a family we’re all really close. On the day I was told I had cancer my daughter just instinctively knew there was something up and she wouldn’t stop crying. It was so strange because the moment the doctor told us she knew something was wrong.

“I guess she just knew there was a twinkle in daddy’s eye which wasn’t there anymore. We all slept crammed on the sofa together that night because Lula wouldn’t settle and she usually goes to sleep like clockwork.’

How many children did Joe Thompson have with Chantelle Perry?

The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Thailula-Lily, in September 2014.

While saying his statement about his cancer returning, he described his wife and daughter, saying: “I would like to thank my wife, Chantelle, who was my rock in my first encounter and will once again be by my side with the same encouragement, discipline and strength. 

“Not to mention the love shown to me by both my wife and beautiful daughter Thailula-Lily who are both my motivations daily.”

A year later, Thompson said about them: “She means the world to me – and my wife.

“She’s been my motivation through some really dark and hard times.

“She always makes me smile and hopefully she’ll remember that. She sees Daddy as Superman.”

They had their second daughter, Athena Rae, in 2022.

Tragically, in 2024, Chantelle and Joe shared that they had lost their baby son, whom they named Dre Phoenix Thompson.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk