SpotlightBBC SportUnverified source· 20 Aug 2026
Brooks balances fatherhood, Ronaldo clash and European debut
David Brooks faces Cristiano Ronaldo and a Europa League debut, but his biggest joy is daughter Lottie's first steps.
D. Brooks
player
Age
29
Position
Midfielder
Club
Bournemouth
Nationality
Wales
Key stat
Cancer-free since 2022
What happened. David Brooks is preparing for a season of personal milestones, including facing childhood hero Cristiano Ronaldo with Wales and making his European debut with Bournemouth, while also enjoying fatherhood as his daughter Lottie begins to crawl and stand.
- Brooks was diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin lymphoma five years ago.
- He lost over a stone during chemotherapy and struggled to get out of bed.
- He declared himself cancer-free in May 2022 and returned to action in March 2023.
“She's crawling now and standing up. I'm getting my steps in when I get home.”
— David Brooks
Brooks could win his 50th Wales cap by the end of the season.
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