World Cup star charged with assault after nightclub headbutt

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FT Desk

Ivan Toney has been charged with assault after headbutting a man in a Soho nightclub in December.

The 30-year-old, who represented England at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, was back in England on holiday during a break in the Saudi Pro League season.

According to The Sun, which published photos and videos from the incident, Toney was arrested in the early hours of Saturday, 6 December.

It was alleged that the incident began when a fan approached the footballer for a selfie at 100 Wardour St in Soho, central London, and grabbed him.

Toney is alleged to have reacted by headbutting the man. One witness said they saw him walk past a table of men before one of them tried to put his hands around the striker’s neck to take a photo. The witness said Toney told the man to “get off” before he was left with blood coming from the bridge of his nose.

The Met Police confirmed at the time: “We were called to Wardour Street at 00:47hrs on Saturday following reports of an assault. The victim was taken to hospital and his injuries are not believed to be life-changing or life-threatening.

“A 29-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of two counts of assault and one count of affray. He has since been released on bail while inquiries continue.”

He was charged by Scotland Yard on 31 July with assault causing actual bodily harm. Toney, who currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, is scheduled to appear before Westminster magistrates on 24 September.

A spokesperson for Toney said: “Ivan acknowledges the charge and although he is naturally shocked, he looks forward to being given the opportunity to clear his name in court.”

Toney began his professional career at Northampton Town before moving through a number of English clubs, including Newcastle United, Barnsley and Brentford.

He established himself as one of the Championship’s leading strikers while with the Bees, helping the club secure promotion to the Premier League in 2021 and then becoming a prolific goalscorer in the top flight.

He made his England debut in 2023 and was part of the squad that reached the Euro 2024 final. In August 2024, he left Brentford to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, where he continued his career overseas.