Many players come from very poor backgrounds and have worked tirelessly to achieve their dream of becoming professional footballers, while others grew up in more affluent families.
Here are the players who were rich before they became footballers accoridng to Givemesport.
Robin van Persie
Van Persie grew up in Rotterdam with the advantages of a wealthy, artistic family. His father, Bob, is a well-known artist and sculptor, while his mother, Jose Ras, is a painter, teacher, and jewelry designer.
Despite this privileged background, Van Persie struggled with rebellious behavior as a teenager, diverging from his parents’ hopes that he would follow in their artistic footsteps.
Gerrard Pique
Former Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué has built his fortune, but his early life was marked by privilege. Growing up in Catalonia, Piqué enjoyed a comfortable existence with a stint at Manchester United during his youth.
His father, Joan, is a successful attorney and businessman, while his mother, Montserrat, is a hospital director in Barcelona. Additionally, his grandfather, Amador Bernabéu, was well-known as a former director of the La Liga champions, adding to the family’s notable background.
Hugo Lloris
World Cup winner’s name was inspired by Victor Hugo, the author of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. Born in Nice, he grew up in an affluent environment, with his father, Luc, working as an investment banker and his mother, Marie, being a successful lawyer.
As a child, he led an upper-class lifestyle, initially taking daily tennis lessons before transitioning to football.
Andrea Pirlo
An elegant footballer both on and off the pitch, Andrea Pirlo was introduced to the finer things in life early on. His father, Luigi, established a steel company in Brescia in 1982—a venture in which Andrea still holds a stake.
After ending his career in MLS, Pirlo embraced a life of luxury, including owning a vineyard, a mark of his affluent lifestyle.
Patrick Bamford
Patrick Bamford stands out from the typical footballer with his diverse talents and academic achievements. A skilled violin and piano player, he attended the fee-paying Nottingham High School, where he earned five A*s at GCSE and studied French, history, and biology at A Level. His academic excellence even earned him a scholarship offer from Harvard.
Contrary to some claims, Bamford is not related to JCB founder Joseph Bamford.
Will Hughes
Crystal Palace midfielder Will Hughes attended the prestigious Repton School in Derbyshire, the same alma mater as Jeremy Clarkson and Roald Dahl. While details about his upbringing are sparse, it’s evident he enjoyed a privileged background.
Despite this, Hughes has established himself as a tough, no-nonsense player. He’s built a solid career with Derby County, Watford, and now Crystal Palace.
