Footballers who had richest upbringings including Chelsea star who lived in 60-room castle
Many footballers rise from humble beginnings to achieve greatness - but there are also players who were wealthy before they ever kicked a ball professionally
Football is filled with stories of players who have ascended from modest beginnings to reach the pinnacle of success – such as Manchester United legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney. Then there are footballers like Thomas Gravesen and Ramon Vega, who accumulated wealth after hanging up their boots.
However, there are also several players who were filthy rich before their footballing careers took off. In fact, one footballer even spent part of his childhood in a 60-room castle.
Here, Daily Star Sport looks at nine stars you might not have realised came from affluent backgrounds before making it big.
Robin van Persie
Born to two artistic parents, Robin Van Persie was brought up in a liberal environment rich in creativity. His father, Bob van Persie, is a celebrated sculptor, while his mother, Jose Ras, channels her creativity through painting and jewellery design.
Now 41, the Dutch football legend was primarily raised by his father following his parents' separation. Despite his roots in the arts, Van Persie opted to showcase his creativity on the football field, mesmerising fans at clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United with his unique flair. Now, he's taking on his most ambitious venture yet – managing Feyenoord.
Hugo Lloris
Former Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris' father Luc was an investment banker, while his mother Marie was a successful lawyer. As a youngster, the ex-France international took daily tennis lessons before transitioning to football.
Currently, he plays for MLS team Los Angeles FC. Interestingly, Hugo was named after French literary icon Victor Hugo, the author of Les Miserables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Patrick Bamford
The Leeds United striker comes from a privileged background. He studied at the fee-paying Nottingham High School and can play the violin up to grade 7.
He also secured 10 GCSEs, including five A*s, and even had the chance to attend Harvard University in the US before deciding that football was his true passion. In 2021, he scoffed at the wild rumours that pegged him as Lord Bamford of JCB's offspring.
Clearing the air on That Peter Crouch Podcast, he said: "I remember when we got promoted, we had a little do in the hotel. Even the assistant - he's left now - under Marcelo [Bielsa, the Leeds manager] was like, 'Honestly, I'm so happy for the way that you work, especially with how rich you dad is and where he's from'. I was thinking, 'What? My dad's from Newark. What are you on about?'."
Mario Gotze
The Eintracht Frankfurt star might be a household name on the pitch, but did you know his old man is a tech and engineering whizz? Prof Jurgen Gotze is a hotshot at the Dortmund University of Technology, and back in the day, he flexed his academic muscles in Yale University's computer science department during the '90s.
Rumour has it his dosh and clout gave young Mario a leg-up at Borussia Dortmund. Still, whatever the whispers, there's no arguing Mario's class when he blasted Germany to victory at the 2014 World Cup with that match-winning stunner.
Andrea Pirlo
Stroll through the streets of Brescia and everyone will have heard the name Pirlo. That's because Andrea's father Luigi founded a steel company in the Italian city in 1982 – and the former midfielder retains a stake in the family business.
Andrea is also a wine connoisseur – he has owned a vineyard near his home city since 2007, a year after guiding Italy to their fourth World Cup.
Gianluca Vialli
While many footballers dream of living in grand mansions with 60 rooms before they hit the big time, this wasn't a fantasy for Gianluca Vialli. The late Sampdoria, Juventus and Chelsea star was the son of a self-made millionaire and spent his childhood in the opulent Castello di Belgioioso in Cremona - a 14th century castle in northern Italy - alongside his four siblings.
After retiring from playing, he transitioned into management and was part of the Italian coaching team that led the Azzurri to victory against England in Euro 2020. Tragically, he lost his fight with cancer and passed away in January 2023.
Will Hughes
What do Crystal Palace midfielder Will Hughes, TV personality Jeremy Clarkson, author Roald Dahl and F1 boss Adrian Newey have in common? They all attended the prestigious Repton School in Derbyshire.
Hughes spent his high school years at the private boarding institution before earning a scholarship at Derby County. Speaking to Football London, he described it as "a massive decision" as his ambition to play professional football conflicted with his education.
Oliver Bierhoff
Oliver Bierhoff, who enjoyed a comfortable upbringing thanks to his utility tycoon father, Dr Rolf Bierhoff, attributes not just his material comforts but also his strong work ethic to his dad.
The ex-Germany forward, whose golden goal clinched Euro 96 for Die Mannschaft at Wembley, may have had his career trajectory influenced by his father's unconventional motivational methods.
According to folklore, Dr Bierhoff, worried about his son's dedication to training, once watered their lawn and urged Oliver to practice diving headers on it once it froze over.
Gerard Pique
Gerard Pique wasn't just one of the world's top defenders - he's also the entrepreneurial mastermind behind Kosmos, a sports and media investment group. But success is nothing new for him, coming from an affluent family in Catalonia.
His father, Joan Pique, is a high-profile lawyer and businessman, while his mother, Montserrat Bernabeu, serves as the director of a hospital in Barcelona. Pique's grandfather, Amador Bernabeu, once held a directorial role at the Nou Camp.