10 Footballers from Wealth
While some players may have come from wealthier families, many have overcome tremendous odds to realize their dream of playing professional football. According to Givemesport, these are the top 10 footballers from wealth way before they ever played the game professionally.
1. Robin van Persie
As a member of an affluent and creative family, Van Persie enjoyed privileged upbringing in Rotterdam. Bob, his father, is a famous sculptor and artist; Jose Ras, his mother, is a multi-talented artist, educator, and jewelry designer.
Even though he came from a wealthy family, Van Persie had a hard time controlling his behavior as a teenager, which went against his parents’ wishes that he would continue their creative legacy.
2. Gerard Piqué
Gerard Piqué, a former defender for Barcelona, had a privileged upbringing but has since amassed a wealth. While he was a young man, Piqué lived comfortably in Catalonia thanks to his time spent playing for Manchester United.
His mother, Montserrat, is the head of a hospital in Barcelona, while his father, Joan, is an accomplished lawyer and businessman. His family has a long history of prominence; his grandpa, Amador Bernabéu, was a famous director for the La Liga winners.
3. Hugo Lloris
Novelist Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame served as an inspiration for the World Cup winner’s name. He was born in Nice into a wealthy family; his father, Luc, was an investment banker, and his mother, Marie, was an accomplished lawyer.
He had an affluent upbringing and played football after starting the year on a daily tennis schedule.
4. Andrea Pirlo
Andrea Pirlo, a sophisticated footballer off the field as much as on it, had early exposure to the good things in life. Luigi, Andrea’s father, founded a steel company in Brescia in 1982; Andrea is still involved with the business.
After retiring from Major League Soccer, Pirlo lived the high life, buying a vineyard as a symbol of his wealth.
5. Patrick Bamford
Patrick Bamford’s academic success and wide range of talents set him apart from other footballers. He was a talented violinist and pianist who attended the private Nottingham High School, where he studied biology, French, and history at the A Level and got five As at the GCSE. He was so good in school that Harvard offered him a scholarship.
Bamford has no relation to Joseph Bamford, creator of JCB, despite what some have said.
6. Will Hughes
The likes of Jeremy Clarkson and Roald Dahl were all alumni of the esteemed Derbyshire school where Crystal Palace midfielder Will Hughes played. There is little information available regarding his childhood, but it is clear that he had an affluent background.
But this hasn’t stopped Hughes from becoming known as a no-nonsense, uncompromising player. Throughout his career, he has established himself with Derby County, Watford, and Crystal Palace.
7. Mario Götze
Professor Jürgen Götze is Mario’s father and a well regarded professor at Dortmund University of Technology. He worked as a computer science researcher at Yale University in the ’90s.
Many acknowledge Mario Götze’s abilities, but some have speculated that Borussia Dortmund’s success may have been influenced by his father’s connections and financial backing.
8. Faiq Bolkiah
Ex-Leicester City player Faiq Bolkiah is currently a member of the Thai team Chonburi. He comes from a wealthy family; his uncle is the Sultan of Brunei, who has an estimated £15 billion in wealth. Because his father, Jefri Bolkiah, is the Sultan’s brother, Faiq is a member of the royal family and stands to receive a substantial fortune.
Jefri Bolkiah had Michael Jackson do a private concert for him and Faiq in honor of his 50th birthday.
9. Michael Doughty
The son of the late Nottingham Forest owner Nigel Doughty, Michael Doughty had spells with clubs including QPR and Swindon Town before retiring at the age of 27. Nigel Doughty was the 537th richest person in the UK in 2011, with an estimated net worth of £130 million. He was a co-chairman and co-founder of a European private equity firm.
10. Gianluca Vialli
According to The Guardian, Chelsea legend Gianluca Vialli was born into affluence and spent his childhood in the 60-room Castello di Belgioioso in Cremona. The fervor with which Vialli pursued the beautiful game did not lessen as a result of his privileged background.
He made an indelible mark on the sport during his illustrious career as a player and manager. The tragic news is that Vialli succumbed to pancreatic cancer in January 2023, at the age of 58.
Frequently Asked Questions on 10 Footballers from Wealth Before the Game
Q: Were all these footballers successful due to their wealth?
A: While coming from a wealthy background might offer certain advantages, talent, hard work, and dedication are crucial for success in football.
Q: Did their wealth affect their playing style?
A: It’s difficult to generalize. Each player’s background and upbringing influenced their individual path.
Q: Are there other footballers from wealthy backgrounds?
A: There are likely many other footballers with affluent backgrounds, but the list focuses on notable examples.
Did Gerard Pique’s family background influence his football career?
A: While his family’s background provided opportunities, Pique’s success is primarily attributed to his talent and hard work.
Q: Is Faiq Bolkiah the richest footballer in the world?
A: Faiq Bolkiah comes from a wealthy family, but his net worth compared to other top footballers is not publicly disclosed.
Q: Did Mario Götze’s father influence his career at Borussia Dortmund?
A: While his father’s connections might have opened some doors, Götze’s talent and performance were the primary factors in his success.
Q: Is it common for footballers to come from wealthy backgrounds?
A: While there are examples of footballers from affluent families, the majority come from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
Q: Does coming from a wealthy family guarantee success in football?
A: No, talent, hard work, and dedication are essential for achieving success in football, regardless of background.
Leave a Reply