In football, many players come from families with a rich tradition of talent, and while some family connections are well-known, others might surprise you. While we’re familiar with sibling duos like the Nevilles and the Tourés, or famous father-son relationships like Alfie and Erling Haaland, there are lesser-known family ties in the sport that also showcase remarkable talent.
- Roy Keane & Taylor Harwood-Bellis
Roy Keane, the former Manchester United captain, is the father-in-law of Southampton’s young centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who is engaged to Keane’s daughter, Leah. The two share a strong bond, with Harwood-Bellis receiving valuable advice from his future father-in-law. - Jay-Jay Okocha & Alex Iwobi
Nigerian legend Jay-Jay Okocha, known for his stellar career at Bolton Wanderers, is the uncle of rising Fulham star Alex Iwobi. Both have represented Nigeria, and Iwobi continues to follow in Okocha’s footsteps in the Premier League. - Mario Balotelli & Obafemi Martins
Italian forward Mario Balotelli and Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins are connected through Balotelli’s sister, Abigail Barwuah, who married Martins. Despite initial tensions, Balotelli has expressed his approval of the union. - Georginio Wijnaldum, Giliano Wijnaldum & Rajiv van la Parra
Georginio Wijnaldum, the former Liverpool midfielder, has a half-brother, Rajiv van la Parra, a former Premier League player. The two discovered their family connection later in life after meeting at a youth football match. - Lomana Lua Lua, Kazenga Lua Lua & Yannick Bolasie
Congolese footballers Lomana and Kazenga Lua Lua are brothers and cousins to the skillful Yannick Bolasie, famous for his dazzling performances at Crystal Palace. - James Rodriguez & David Ospina
Colombian stars James Rodriguez and David Ospina are brothers-in-law, as Rodriguez married Ospina’s sister in 2011. Though separated, they remain close, with a strong family bond. - Luka Modric & Mark Viduka
Croatian midfielder Luka Modric and Australian striker Mark Viduka are distant cousins. While they played for different national teams, their shared Croatian heritage links them across continents.
These lesser-known familial ties demonstrate that football talent often runs in the family, with some surprising connections across nations and clubs.
