15 footballers you didn’t know were secretly related
Football is no stranger to famous family connections—think of the Maldinis or the Bellingham brothers. But beyond the obvious ties, some players have surprising relationships that fans rarely hear about. From step-siblings to distant cousins, here are 15 lesser-known family links in the world of football, starting with the most recently revealed.
Alex Scott & Maya Le Tissier – step-siblings from Guernsey
Alex Scott and Maya Le Tissier grew up on the island of Guernsey, playing football together from a young age. The two England internationals are actually step-siblings and shared childhood training trips to England, strengthening a bond that’s lasted into their professional careers.
Ruben Amorim & Diogo Dalot – distant Portuguese relatives
Manchester United fans were surprised to learn that head coach Ruben Amorim and right-back Diogo Dalot are distantly related. Their connection goes back generations to a 19th-century circus artist named Carlos Dallot, according to genealogical research.
Leroy Fer & Patrick van Aanholt – cousins through their mothers
Dutch footballers Leroy Fer and Patrick van Aanholt are cousins, linked maternally. Both had notable Premier League spells and even played against each other when Fer's QPR beat van Aanholt’s Sunderland in 2014.
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Lionel Messi & Bojan Krkic – distant cousins at Barcelona
Lionel Messi and Bojan Krkic are distant cousins and once shared the pitch at Barcelona. While Messi went on to become the greatest of all time, Bojan carved out a solid career across Europe, including spells at Stoke City and Roma.
Boudewijn Zenden & John Heitinga – Dutch rivals turned in-laws
Dutch internationals Boudewijn Zenden and John Heitinga spent years on opposite sides of fierce club rivalries. But off the pitch, they’re family—Heitinga married Zenden’s sister after they met during Euro 2004.
Luka Modric & Mark Viduka – Croatian-Australian cousins
Luka Modric and Mark Viduka are cousins, despite growing up continents apart. Viduka's father moved from Croatia to Australia in the '60s, linking him to Modric’s family line and tying two football cultures together.
James Rodriguez & David Ospina – Colombian brothers-in-law
James Rodriguez and David Ospina share more than just the Colombian national team—James was once married to Ospina’s sister, Daniela. Though they divorced in 2017, their daughter and family connection keep them linked.
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Lomana & Kazenga Lua Lua & Yannick Bolasie – Congolese football family
Lomana and Kazenga Lua Lua are brothers and cousins to winger Yannick Bolasie. All three have represented the Democratic Republic of Congo and dazzled Premier League fans with flair and acrobatic celebrations.
Georginio & Giliano Wijnaldum & Rajiv van la Parra – a family reunion on the pitch
Gini Wijnaldum’s family story took an emotional twist when he discovered half-brother Rajiv van la Parra during a youth match. Gini and Giliano were already known siblings, but Rajiv’s presence came as a heartfelt surprise.
Mario Balotelli & Obafemi Martins – family through marriage
Mario Balotelli and Obafemi Martins are connected by marriage—Martins wed Balotelli’s sister, Abigail, and they share a child. Despite early rumours of tension, Balotelli has publicly expressed his support for the couple.
Jay-Jay Okocha & Alex Iwobi – uncle and nephew lighting up the Premier League
Legendary Nigerian midfielder Jay-Jay Okocha is the uncle of Fulham star Alex Iwobi. Both left their mark on English football, with Okocha dazzling at Bolton and Iwobi continuing the legacy across several Premier League clubs.
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Roy Keane & Taylor Harwood-Bellis – future father-in-law and son-in-law
Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis is engaged to Roy Keane’s daughter, Leah. While Keane is a fierce figure in football history, Harwood-Bellis says he values the advice and experience his future father-in-law offers.
Harry Arter & Scott Parker – linked by marriage and football
Scott Parker and Harry Arter are brothers-in-law, with Parker marrying Arter’s sister over 20 years ago. They later worked together at Fulham, where Parker signed Arter and coached him to Premier League promotion.
Gini Wijnaldum & Royston Drenthe – cousins on rival sides of Merseyside
Gini Wijnaldum and Royston Drenthe are cousins who once represented rival clubs—Liverpool and Everton respectively. While Drenthe’s career peaked at Real Madrid, Wijnaldum became a fan favourite at Anfield.
Philippe Coutinho & Juninho – distant Brazilian cousins
Philippe Coutinho and Juninho brought Brazilian flair to the Premier League in different eras. Though distant cousins, both were known for their creativity and left a mark on English football during their prime years.
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