“Don’t Worry About My Family”: Fabrizio Romano Claps Back at Online Critic as AFCON Reporting Sparks Holiday Work Debate

Renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano has once again found himself at the center of online conversation, not because of a transfer bombshell or a late-night “here we go,” but due to a sharp exchange with a social media user who questioned his choice to work during a holiday instead of, in their words, bonding with his family. The moment, which unfolded on X, formerly Twitter, quickly went viral, reigniting debates about work-life balance, public scrutiny of high-profile journalists, and the relentless pace of modern sports reporting.

The incident began after Romano shared an update about Etta Eyong, the promising Cameroonian forward who has been making waves at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations. Romano posted that Barcelona and several Premier League clubs were actively tracking Eyong during the tournament, noting that the striker had scored his first goal for Cameroon and remained firmly on the radar of top European sides ahead of a potential 2026 move. As is typical, the post attracted significant engagement from football fans around the world, many of whom rely on Romano’s updates as a primary source of transfer-related news.

However, amid the likes and retweets, one comment stood out for its personal tone. A user, identified as Tom with the handle @tomvinall00, replied directly to Romano with a blunt question: “Have you not got a family to talk to.” The comment appeared to criticize Romano for his high level of activity on the platform over a holiday period, suggesting that he should step away from work and focus on personal relationships instead.

Romano, known for maintaining a largely professional and composed presence online despite his massive following, chose not to ignore the remark. Instead, he responded directly, delivering a concise but pointed rebuttal that quickly gained traction. “You literally posted more than me in the last 24h mate… don’t worry about my family, think about yourself and then comment about others,” Romano wrote. The response was widely shared, with many users praising the journalist for standing his ground and calling out what they perceived as unnecessary intrusion into his personal life.

The exchange struck a chord across football social media, where Romano has become both a trusted figure and, at times, a lightning rod for criticism. With millions of followers across platforms, his every post is scrutinized, dissected, and debated. For supporters, his constant updates are a valuable service in an era where transfer rumors move markets and shape fan expectations. For critics, his omnipresence online is occasionally framed as excessive, prompting comments like the one that sparked this particular clash.

Beyond the surface-level back-and-forth, the incident highlights the unique pressures faced by modern journalists operating in the digital age. Unlike traditional reporters bound by print deadlines or scheduled broadcasts, figures like Romano work in a 24/7 news cycle driven by social media. Transfers can break at any hour, tournaments span multiple time zones, and audiences expect instant updates. For someone whose brand is built on speed, accuracy, and consistency, taking extended breaks—even on holidays—can mean missing critical moments or allowing competitors to get ahead.

Supporters of Romano were quick to point out this reality, noting that working during holidays is hardly unusual in sports journalism, especially during major tournaments like AFCON. Others emphasized that a person’s social media activity does not provide a full picture of their personal life, arguing that assumptions about family time based on posting frequency are both unfair and intrusive. Many fans echoed Romano’s sentiment that boundaries should be respected, regardless of a public figure’s visibility.

At the same time, the conversation touched on broader cultural discussions about work-life balance and burnout. In recent years, there has been growing awareness around the importance of rest and personal time, even for high achievers. Some observers suggested that while Romano was justified in defending himself, the initial comment reflected a wider concern about the normalization of constant work and online presence. Still, most agreed that such concerns should not be directed at individuals through personal attacks or unsolicited judgments.

The focus on Eyong in Romano’s original post also underscores why his work continues unabated, holidays or not. The Africa Cup of Nations has become an increasingly important scouting ground for Europe’s elite clubs, with performances often accelerating transfer timelines. Eyong’s goal for Cameroon has reportedly intensified interest from Barcelona and Premier League sides, making timely reporting especially valuable to fans and analysts tracking emerging talents. In that context, Romano’s update was not just routine posting but part of a larger narrative shaping future transfer windows.

As the exchange continued to circulate, it became emblematic of the evolving relationship between journalists and their audiences. Social media has collapsed the distance between reporters and readers, enabling direct interaction but also opening the door to personal criticism that would have been unlikely in earlier eras. Romano’s response, measured yet firm, was seen by many as a reminder that public figures are entitled to personal boundaries, even as they operate in public spaces.

Ultimately, the brief clash may fade as quickly as it arose, overtaken by the next transfer rumor or tournament headline. Yet it leaves behind a snapshot of the challenges inherent in being one of football’s most visible journalists in a hyperconnected world. For Romano, the message was clear: his work ethic and family life are not open for public judgment. For fans and critics alike, the episode served as a reminder that behind the constant stream of updates is a professional doing his job in an industry that rarely sleeps, holidays included.