The football community is one that covers the entire world and we often find the most unexpected links in them. Often we find that some players are just gifted and football runs in their bloodline. These players have football in their genes and it all just comes naturally to them.
In the world of football, there are several players that have relatives who were also footballers but little is known about the relation between them. Let’s take a look at some of the players who are related but not much is known about them:
#1 Alex Iwobi and Jay Jay Okocha - Nephew and Uncle
Nigerian legend Okocha is often considered to be the greatest African players of all time and is well known around the world for his dribbling ability. The player who was a part of the Bolton Wanderers squad long time back is the uncle of Arsenal winger and youth player Alex Iwobi who much like his uncle is also a great dribbler.
Iwobi looks like the most promising youngster in the Arsenal squad at the moment and uncle Okocha will surely be proud of him. The youngster could learn a whole lot from his uncle who was one heck of a player during his days.
#2 James Rodriguez and David Ospina - Brothers-in-law
It is a known fact that the two compatriots share a great relationship off the field but what is not known is that part of it stems from the fact that two are close relatives. The Real Madrid player is married to the Arsenal goalkeeper’s sister, Daniela.
David Ospina has revealed that he was the matchmaker to James and his sister, after Daniela earlier told him about dating a Colombian player. James and Daniela have one daughter named Salome.
#3 Mark Viduka and Luka Modric - Cousins
Viduka, a former Leeds United player is the cousin of current Madrid midfield stalwart Luka Modric. Although, you may wonder how the two are related, considering Viduka is an Australian but the fact of the matter is that the player is of Croatian origin and his family had moved to Australia in the 60’s.
Viduka played as a centre forward and captained Australia in the 2006 World Cup which was held in Germany. Modric, on the other hand, was never quite the leader kinds but is quite easily one of the best midfielders of his generation. Of the two, Modric is certainly the better player, however, at the same time Viduka is one of the greatest Australian footballers.
#4 Leroy Fer and Patrick van Aanholt - Cousins
The two cousins are currently a part of the Premier League and play for Swansea City and Sunderland respectively. Both the players are in teams who are struggling to make an impact on the Premier League and are fighting relegation at the moment.
Leroy Fer started off big this season with some crucial goals for Swansea but things do not look so good for him at the moment as he has been benched several times thereafter. Van Aanholt is a confirmed starter at the Black Cats and is a fan favourite. The player was the highest scoring defender last season and has 3 goals to his name this season.
#5 Didier Drogba and Oliver Tebily - Cousins
Chelsea striker Drogba is known all over the world, not just for his football abilities but also for the charitable service that he has provided to the less fortunate people. The player is truly a role model for every football fan.
He is the cousin of former Ivory Coast defender Oliver Tebily who did not quite enjoy the same success as Drogba, who has won several trophies like the Champions League, Premier League and the FA Cup with Chelsea. According to several sources, Tebily was an Arsenal fan and we’re sure that the two have spent quite some time bantering with each other.
#6 John Terry and Paul Konchesky - Brothers-in-law
John’s brother Paul Terry is married to Konchesky’s sister Sarah which does not exactly make them brothers-in-law but something quite similar. The two have been friends since they were kids and actually introduced Paul and Sarah to each other.
The friendship between the two further intensified once the marriage between Paul and Sarah took place as the friends now became a family. Konchesky and Terry shared quite a rapport but this was negatively impacted after Paul Terry admitted to cheating on his wife, which ultimately strained the relationship between Konchesky and John Terry.
The duo had an entirely different career with Terry being called a one club legend and Konchesky spending time in several clubs.
#7 Yannick Bolasie and Lomana LuaLua - Cousins
LuaLua and Bolasie have both had a tough journey in the world of football as they come from the nation of Congo which has been a region of much strife, conflict and poverty. Of the two, Bolasie is certainly the more famous one and recently moved to Everton after some impressive performances in the Crystal Palace jersey.
The player has also had most of his career in England. On the contrary, LuaLua has been a part of clubs in Qatar, England, Greece and Turkey all through his life. LuaLua also has a brother who currently plays for Championship club Bright and Hove Albion.
