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 AND TAYLOR HARWOOD-BELLIS
For example, there’s the connection between Roy Keane and Taylor Harwood-Bellis. Harwood-Bellis, a young centre-back for Southampton, is engaged to Keane’s daughter, Leah. The 22-year-old defender recently shared how much advice he receives from his future father-in-law, despite Keane’s reputation for being a fierce personality.
JAY JAY OKOCHA AND ALEX IWOBI
Another fascinating family tie is between Jay-Jay Okocha and Alex Iwobi. Okocha, a Nigerian legend who made a huge impact at Bolton Wanderers, is the uncle of Iwobi, a rising star at Fulham. Both players have represented Nigeria with distinction, and Iwobi continues to build on his uncle’s legacy in the Premier League.
MARIO BALOTELLI AND OBAFEMI MARTINS
Then there’s the relationship between Mario Balotelli and Obafemi Martins. Balotelli, famous for his unpredictable nature, is connected to Martins through his sister, Abigail Barwuah, who married the Nigerian striker. Although there were rumors of tension, Balotelli later expressed his approval of the marriage.
Georginio Wijnaldum ,Giliano Wijnaldum AND Rajiv van la Parra.
A less-known connection involves Georginio Wijnaldum, Giliano Wijnaldum, and Rajiv van la Parra. Georginio, known for his time at Liverpool, has a half-brother in Van la Parra, who also played in the Premier League. The two only discovered their familial link later in life, and their bond formed after meeting at a youth match.
Lomana Lua Lua,Kazenga Lua Lua and Yannick Bolasie
In another twist, Lomana Lua Lua, Kazenga Lua Lua, and Yannick Bolasie—all from the Democratic Republic of Congo—are related. The Lua Lua brothers are cousins to the skillful winger, Bolasie, known for his time at Crystal Palace.
James Rodriguez and David Ospina
Then there’s James Rodriguez and David Ospina, who are brothers-in-law. Rodriguez, the former Real Madrid star, married Ospina’s sister in 2011, and though they are now separated, they continue to share a strong familial bond.
A surprising connection involves Croatian midfielder Luka Modric and Australian striker Mark Viduka. Despite playing in different leagues and for different national teams, the two are cousins, with Viduka’s father hailing from Croatia, and Modric’s family still residing there.
Lastly, Boudewijn Zenden and John Heitinga share a brother-in-law relationship. Despite being rivals during their playing days—Zenden with Liverpool and Heitinga with Everton—they are now connected through Zenden’s sister, Charlotte-Sophie, who is married to Heitinga.
These lesser-known footballing connections highlight the deep ties and surprising relationships that exist within the world of football. From cousins playing for rival teams to family members guiding the next generation, football’s family bonds continue to shape the game in unexpected ways.
