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10 footballers born into wealth: Millionaires before making their professional debut.

You've heard of rags-to-riches stories in football, but what about riches-to-riches?

By Sebastián Hernadez

Billionaires on the Pitch: Football's Wealthiest Heirs.
Billionaires on the Pitch: Football's Wealthiest Heirs.

While many of the world's top footballers, like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar Jr., have risen from humble beginnings, there's another category of players who entered the sport with a significant head start. These footballers were born into wealth, inheriting fortunes from their families. Let's delve into the lives of ten such players who were millionaires even before kicking their first professional ball.

Robin van Persie

The Dutch striker's parents, both renowned artists in the Netherlands, ensured a comfortable upbringing. His father, Bob, is a successful sculptor, and his mother, Jose Ras, is a jewelry designer and painter.

Gerard Piqué

The Barcelona defender's family is steeped in success. His father, Joan, is a lawyer and businessman, while his mother, Montserrat, heads a Barcelona hospital. Piqué's net worth has only grown since marrying Colombian pop star Shakira.

Hugo Lloris

The French goalkeeper hails from a privileged background. His mother is a successful lawyer, and his father is a renowned investment banker. Lloris' upbringing was marked by luxury and a top-tier education.

Andrea Pirlo

Long before becoming a football legend, Pirlo's name was synonymous with success in his hometown of Brescia. His father founded a steel company, ensuring the family's financial prosperity.

Patrick Bamford

The Leeds United striker attended the exclusive Nottingham High School and later studied at Harvard. His family's wealth provided him with opportunities many can only dream of.

Mario Götze }

The son of renowned professor Jürgen Götze, Mario's academic family background played a significant role in his early football development. His father's connections helped pave the way for his son's career.

Faiq Bolkiah

The nephew of the Sultan of Brunei, Faiq Bolkiah is arguably the richest footballer in the world. His family's immense wealth has allowed him to pursue a football career without financial constraints.

Michael Doughty

As the son of the late Nottingham Forest owner Nigel Doughty, Michael inherited a substantial fortune. His early retirement from football at 27 is a testament to his family's wealth.

Gianluca Vialli

The former Chelsea striker grew up in a castle. His father's wealth provided him with a privileged upbringing that few can imagine.

Oliver Bierhoff

The German football legend's father was the head of an energy company. This provided Bierhoff with a solid foundation and the resources to pursue his football dreams.

While their journeys to the top may have been smoother than those of their less fortunate peers, these footballers have undoubtedly proven their talent on the pitch. Their stories highlight the unique advantages that come with being born into wealth, but also serve as a reminder that talent and hard work are essential for long-term success in any field.


Sebastián  Hernadez

Sebastián Hernadez

I am Sebastián Hernández Cárdenas, a Colombian sports journalist born in the vibrant city of Barranquilla, Colombia. With an innate passion for sports, I have dedicated my career to covering the most important events and news in the sports world.I have been fortunate to work in some of the most prestigious media outlets in Colombia and Latin America. I was part of the ESPN team, where I covered high-level sporting events and interviewed personalities from the world of sports. I have also worked ...

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