Footballers Who Were Disowned by Their Families Due to Relationships

In the world of football, where fame, fortune, and public scrutiny are constant companions, relationships can sometimes become a battleground—one that ends in family rifts and even disownment. While most families support their footballer sons, there are instances where relationships have caused such controversy that it led to families severing ties. From disapproval of partners to cultural clashes, these footballers found themselves caught between love and loyalty. Here’s a closer look at some famous footballers who were disowned by their families because of their relationships.

1. Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

Mohamed Salah, Egypt’s most famous footballer, had a seemingly perfect family life until a personal choice brought the wrath of his relatives. Salah fell in love with his childhood sweetheart, Magi, and married her despite significant opposition from his family. The crux of the issue? Magi’s religious background and family’s socioeconomic status did not align with what some members of Salah’s family had hoped for him. While this was a private matter initially, the fallout from family disownment was well-known within his inner circle. Ultimately, Salah stood by his wife, despite the family pressure, choosing love over tradition. His courage to stick to his personal life choices earned him the admiration of millions, though it wasn’t without its struggles.

2. Mario Balotelli (Italy)

Mario Balotelli is no stranger to controversy, and his personal relationships are no exception. Known for his fiery temperament on and off the pitch, Balotelli’s relationships have been as dramatic as his career. One of the most publicized was his romance with Italian model Raffaella Fico, which led to a major rift with his family. Fico’s media attention, combined with Balotelli’s wild behavior and the public scrutiny, caused his family to disapprove of the relationship. The final straw came when Balotelli’s family reportedly disowned him due to Fico’s repeated media appearances and the intense pressure on Balotelli’s personal life. While their relationship was short-lived, the impact on Balotelli’s connection with his family was long-lasting.

3. Jermaine Pennant (England)

Jermaine Pennant’s career was marred by off-field controversies, but one of the most shocking incidents came when he was disowned by his family after marrying a woman who was widely considered a ‘bad influence.’ Pennant fell for model and reality TV star Alice Goodwin, and despite concerns from his family regarding her reputation and the media attention it attracted, Jermaine went ahead with the marriage. The fallout was swift, and his family distanced themselves from him. Despite the rift, Pennant remained firm in his decision, even as it led to a highly publicized, strained relationship with his relatives. The consequences of that marriage, both personally and professionally, showed how one’s relationships could challenge even the closest family bonds.

4. Ched Evans (Wales)

Welsh footballer Ched Evans made headlines for reasons far beyond his on-field abilities. After being convicted of rape and later released from prison, Evans’ relationship with his then-girlfriend caused significant family tension. His choice to continue the relationship with her, despite public backlash, led to a rift between Evans and his family. The media coverage of his legal battles only added fuel to the fire. His family, particularly his parents, were reportedly disgusted by his choices, and Evans was distanced from them for a time. This saga highlighted how, in football and in life, relationships can strain even the strongest familial bonds, especially when the personal choices made by a player clash with societal norms and values.

5. Ryan Giggs (Wales)

Ryan Giggs, one of the most iconic footballers in history, had a scandalous affair that led to a public family fallout. The affair with his brother’s wife, Natasha, was one of the most infamous in football, and it resulted in a significant family rift. Giggs’ betrayal of his brother Rhodri was so severe that the family disowned him for a period of time. Giggs faced harsh criticism from his family, and the strain on his relationship with his brother became so intense that it took years for any semblance of reconciliation to occur. Giggs’ actions led to a divide in his personal life, which overshadowed his career and caused irreversible damage to family ties.

6. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

While Cristiano Ronaldo’s relationship history is often publicized, his romantic involvement with Russian model Irina Shayk caused a significant rift between him and his mother, Maria Dolores. Despite Ronaldo’s public support of his relationships, his mother did not approve of Shayk, citing personality differences and a lack of family values. The tension between mother and son grew so intense that, at one point, Ronaldo was reportedly estranged from his mother over the relationship. Ronaldo eventually broke up with Irina Shayk, but the fallout with his family left a lasting impression. His story is an example of how footballers can find themselves torn between love and familial expectations.

7. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)

Riyad Mahrez is another footballer whose relationship with his wife, Rita Johal, caused significant family drama. The couple’s whirlwind romance was met with disapproval from Mahrez’s family, who felt Johal wasn’t the right fit for him. The Algerian winger’s decision to continue his relationship led to a falling out with his relatives, and his family distanced themselves from him during the period of tension. While Mahrez eventually made amends with some family members, his choice to marry Johal, despite the family’s objections, remains a pivotal moment in his personal life.

The Influence of Fame and Public Scrutiny

The pressure that comes with being a footballer often exacerbates personal relationships. With the media constantly watching and fans commenting on every move, players find themselves navigating difficult waters when it comes to love and family. The cultural expectations placed on these athletes can clash with their desire for personal happiness, leading to rifts that are sometimes irreversible. The families of these players often struggle with the weight of their fame, seeing their private lives exposed and critiqued on a global stage.

The stories of footballers who were disowned by their families due to their relationships are a powerful reminder of the personal toll fame can take. These players had to choose between love and loyalty, and in many cases, their decisions led to fractured family ties that still affect them to this day. As fans, we often focus on the footballer’s performance on the pitch, but the real-life struggles they face behind the scenes reveal a much more complex and sometimes painful reality. These stories resonate deeply, shedding light on how footballers, despite their fame and fortune, are not immune to the challenges of relationships, family dynamics, and personal choices.