When Football Doesn’t Run in the Family: 7 Surprising Cases

For many, football is a family affair, with talents seemingly passed down through generations. Some of today’s biggest stars followed in their fathers’ or siblings’ footsteps.

However, it’s not always a given that athletic prowess is inherited. Here are seven cases that show football doesn’t always run in the family.

7. Paul Pogba and His Brothers Florentin & Mathias Pogba

Paul Pogba, known for his dazzling footwork and versatility, is one of the most recognized footballers of his generation. A World Cup winner and former world’s most expensive player, he’s accomplished feats his twin brothers could only dream of. Florentin and Mathias, despite sharing Paul’s surname and some of his swagger, haven’t quite made it in top-flight football. While Paul’s dancing is celebrated as much as his skill, his brothers fall short both on the pitch and on the dance floor.

6. Julián Álvarez and His Brothers

Julián Álvarez has rapidly risen to fame, winning the World Cup and securing a European treble with Manchester City. But his older brothers? They aren’t even in the same league—literally. After moving to England with Julián in 2022, they ended up playing for a 10th-tier team, barely qualifying as professional footballers. Julián’s success is a rare exception in his family.

5. Toni Kroos and Felix Kroos

Toni Kroos boasts an enviable record: six Champions League titles, a World Cup win, and a top 10 finish in the 2024 Ballon d’Or. His younger brother, Felix Kroos, briefly tasted top-tier football, but not quite in the same way. Felix’s Champions League debut was far from memorable—he fouled Luka Modrić and conceded a penalty. After struggling to secure a spot in top leagues, he ended his career in Germany’s second division, retiring much earlier than his illustrious brother.

4. Xabi Alonso and Mikel Alonso

Xabi Alonso is celebrated not only for his playing career with top clubs like Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich but also for his success as a manager with Bayer Leverkusen. His older brother, Mikel, meanwhile, played for more modest clubs, including Charlton Athletic and Tenerife. Though Mikel’s career was respectable, the contrast between him and Xabi is dramatic, highlighting the vast talent gap.

3. Marcus Rashford and Cousin Lois Maynard

Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford is known for his skill and philanthropy, but football stardom didn’t extend to his cousin, Lois Maynard. Lois plays in the 8th tier of English football and, unlike Marcus, couldn’t qualify for the England national team. He represents Saint Kitts and Nevis instead. Even within his immediate family, Rashford stands out, as his brothers, Dane and Dwaine, chose management roles instead of careers on the pitch.

2. Lionel Messi and His Extended Family

Lionel Messi’s magical abilities are unmatched, yet his brothers Rodrigo and Matís, and cousins Maximiliano and Emanuel Biancucchi, haven’t come close to his level. While his cousins have played for smaller clubs in South America, Messi’s brothers don’t play at all. It’s as if Messi absorbed all the family’s footballing potential, leaving his relatives far from the spotlight.

1. Kobbie Mainoo and His Brother Jordan Mainoo-Hames

The young talent Kobbie Mainoo is a rising star for Manchester United and England, already making headlines as a teenager. Meanwhile, his brother Jordan Mainoo-Hames pursued a completely different path, finding fame on the reality show Love Island. With Kobbie on track for a stellar football career, it’s clear that while the Mainoo family has charm, the footballing magic is Kobbie’s alone.