Kyle Walker claims Lauryn Goodman ‘is utilizing his title to remain within the highlight’ as footballer insists he hasn’t been involved with their two kids since final 12 months’ amid backlash for not giving them Christmas items

Kyle Walker is hoping ex Lauryn Goodman will stop ‘goading’ him on social media in the new year as he claims the reality star is using his name to stay in the spotlight.

The footballer has seemingly hit back amid backlash after it was revealed he didn’t send their two children Christmas presents this year.

Kyle, who shares four children with his wife Annie Kilner, had an affair with Lauryn, who he fathered a son, Kairo, with. It later emerged he had gone on to father a second child, Kinara, with the influencer.

While the footballer didn’t give Kairo or Kinara any presents, Kyle has always been committed to fully supporting them financially but decided to step back emotionally since last year.

An insider told MailOnline: ‘Kyle’s never been involved in the kids’ celebrations and not brought gifts, except for a coat for Kairo a few years ago. 

‘The latest story seems like Lauryn using his name to stay in the spotlight and promote her businesses, including her canceled podcast.

‘He’s not part of Lauryn’s kids’ daily lives but supports them financially—paying for their house, school, and more. He’s always been committed to that. 

‘But he decided to step back emotionally and hasn’t had contact with Lauryn or the kids since last year.

‘He made that decision to protect his relationship with Annie and their four children, especially since the older ones are seeing all this play out on social media. 

‘Kyle and Annie just want to put all this behind them in 2025 and move on without the drama. They hope that Lauryn will do the same instead of goading them on social media.’

Lauryn shared a heartwarming photo of her children enjoying a pile of presents at Christmas, following claims Kyle gave them ‘nothing’.

The reality star, 33, posted the image on her Instagram, showing her children, Kairo and Kinara, approaching a Christmas tree surrounded by a stack of gifts.

She wrote: ‘Merry Christmas To You All. The best little day with my babies. It’s all about making memories ✨

‘@kairowalker has had me assembling his new goal outside and @kinarawalker has skipped her nap as there is way too much going on for her to miss out on anything. 

‘Not sure why but it’s still early …ish and I am absolutely shattered. Even more so than usual. ✨ anyone else?’

She then asked her followers what their favourite part of the day was and whether they ate in or out.

She also added that she knew Christmas could be lonely for some, so passed on her love. 

Lauryn didn’t comment further on the alleged absence of Kyle’s contribution but focused on creating a festive atmosphere for her kids, sharing snippets of their celebrations with her followers.

She also shared a video of her time in Lapland UK with her two ‘babies’ who she shares with the Manchester City footballer describing it as a ‘magical day’ that they ‘loved’.

Elsewhere, The Sun reported that his decision has caused upset among mutual friends who were hoping he’d ‘put his differences aside’. 

The source said: ‘All of their mutual friends have talked to Kyle. They feel really upset for the children and for Lauryn who is always trying to do right by their kids.

‘They were hoping Kyle would put aside his differences for the sake of the children. But to leave them with nothing to open for another year is just really sad.’

Another insider close to Kyle claimed that while he provides financially for his children, he has never been a part of their Christmas celebrations.

Annie kicked Kyle out of the marital home in January this year after learning that he had fathered daughter Kinara, his second child by influencer Lauryn.

She allowed him to be there for the birth of their fourth son Rezon this spring, and after a harmonious family summer holiday let him live with them again in September.

Kyle did spend time at their home with the kids on Christmas Day, but the couple are not fully reconciled.

A source said: ‘It has been a difficult road and they are up and down. At this point they do not know if they will be able to be fully reconciled.

‘The ultimate goal is that the children are OK. They don’t know if they are going to make it as a couple.’

The source added: ‘When they separated they said that they were going to stay united for the children. The divorce is on hold, and they are still discussing what the next year might look like for them. They are continuing to live together.

‘Despite everything which has been thrown at them, and not just by Lauryn, they are going forward amicably. It has not been easy for a number of reasons. However they have been a couple for 17 years so there is a lot of history.

‘Kyle obviously has faults but he is a very involved father and the children are still very young. They have tremendous respect for each other as parents.’

Annie has filed for divorce and a share of Walker’s £27 million fortune as she wants to have financial security.

However it is understood that she is not as yet going ahead with legal action to dissolve the marriage.

She might opt for a ‘no split divorce’ which would see them continuing to live together and co-parent but give her a financial settlement.

The couple have four children Roman, 12, Riaan, eight, Reign, six and baby Rezon.

Kyle’s son Kairo with Lauryn was born in 2020 after a fling, and daughter Kinara in 2023 after Kyle and Lauryn met at a solicitor’s office to discuss child maintenance. It’s believed he has no contact with the children.

In an interview a few days after the paternity scandal erupted he said: ‘What I’ve done is horrible and I take full responsibility.’

In June, Annie brought the children to Germany to watch Walker and his England team-mates in the Euros. After they were defeated in the final against Spain, he was in court for a showdown over money with Lauryn. 

A judge accused Lauryn of using his desperation to keep the second child a secret as ‘leverage’ to get what she wanted. 

He also found that Lauryn was not a credible witness and that her demands for astroturf, gardeners, and a new car for a nanny, were excessive.

Annie was shocked by how much money had been spent on trying to keep Lauryn Goodman happy.