Footballing Stars You Didn't Know Were Related
Talent can be passed down from one generation to the next in many sports, especially football. Across different generations, numerous family narratives centred around this beloved sport have captured public interest on a global scale. Within this rich tapestry, a notable roster of football stars exists whose familial connections may come as a surprise to many fans. These family dynasties often generate excitement among supporters worldwide, especially when the previous generation boasts exceptional talent and accomplishments.
The excitement surrounding these legacies raises an intriguing question that lingers in fans' minds: Will the current generation rise to the challenge and surpass the achievements of their illustrious predecessors? This dynamic interplay of family ties and sporting prowess adds a captivating layer to the world of football, highlighting how talent and passion can be passed down through generations. Also, in football, many relatives have found themselves in rival fixtures, which would see them on different sides of a spectator's matched betting strategy.
Kaká and Digão
Kaká, now retired, was once considered one of the best footballers in the world, having won the Ballon d'Or in 2007. However, the same cannot be said for his brother Digão. Despite achieving every football fan's dream of becoming a professional, Digão did not experience the same level of success as his older brother, Kaká. Kaká was a tricky advanced midfielder with two very contrasting playstyles who would contribute massively to the offence, whereas his younger brother Digão would play at centre back.
Both grew up in the São Paulo youth teams, with Kaká breaking into the first team at the age of 18. Kaká played 59 games for São Paulo, scoring over twenty goals, which helped draw attention from European giants AC Milan. Kaká journeyed to Italy to join Milan in 2003, leaving brother Digão behind. In 2005, Digão joined Kaká in Italy. Digão joined the Sampdoria youth team, where he was loaned to his older brother's new home at Milan. After the year-long loan concluded, Digão signed for Milan and reunited with Kaká. Kaká had made a name for himself in Milan early, breaking into the starting lineup and replacing the legendary Rui Costa. Kaká spent six years at AC Milan, making 193 appearances and scoring 70 times. Digao was loaned out 5 times in total and only played a single game for AC Milan.
Jay-Jay Okocha and Alex Iwobi
Jay-Jay Okocha was one of the most entertaining players to watch in the Premier League, thanks to his flashy playing style, which captivated fans worldwide. Alex Iwobi, Okacha’s nephew, shows elements that would make his uncle proud. Okocha is most renowned for his time at Bolton, where he primarily operated as an attacking midfielder. His time for Bolton saw him score 14 times in 124 appearances. Like his uncle, Alex Iwobi often played in attacking midfield; however, he performed mainly off the right flank.
Jay-Jay Okocha is now retired; however, Iwobi keeps the family legacy going, still performing in the Premier League for Fulham. Both players have represented Nigeria internationally, taking pride in their family heritage. Iwobi has played for his country 85 times, scoring 10 goals, whereas Okocha ended his career with 14 goals in 73 games.
James Rodriguez & David Ospina
If you recall the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, you should also remember these two icons for Colombia. Entering the main stage as underdogs, both players contributed significantly to Colombia’s World Cup journey, where they remained unbeaten in the group stage and defeated favoured Uruguay in the round of 16 before being knocked out in the quarter-finals by the host nation, Brazil.
The goalkeeper Ospina and the attacking midfielder James Rodríguez were related through marriage until 2017, when Rodríguez divorced David Ospina’s sister. James Rodríguez has built an impressive career, including spells at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, and has won numerous trophies. At the same time, goalkeeper David Ospina also achieved a successful career with appearances for teams such as Arsenal and Nice. Sources say that the goalkeeper not only saved shots but also saved James Rodríguez’s chances of marrying Daniela Ospina, as he convinced his parents to allow the marriage between the two.
Lionel Messi and Bojan Krkic
The two La Masia graduates are very distantly related, so this relation may be harder to spot! Lionel Messi is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, whereas Bojan Krkic was once seen as one of the most promising youngsters in the world. It is clear the talent was there for both, but only one could perform on the biggest stages of all. Bojan and Messi are reportedly fourth cousins due to a marriage in 1846!
Ironically, Bojan broke Messi's record as the youngest Barcelona player to feature in La Liga. Messi is nearing the end of an incredible career, having won eight Ballon d'Or awards, whereas Bojan is currently retired, despite being four years younger than the Argentine.
