In life, the head is often seen as the most important part of the body, symbolizing intelligence, vision, and control. Yet, there’s an unsung hero that supports it from below: the neck. Steady and unnoticed, it enables the head to function smoothly, just as a family quietly supports a footballer, allowing them to shine on the pitch. Players are the stars, celebrated for their goals, agility, and resilience, but their families are often the ones who provide the foundation, making the dreams possible through unseen sacrifices and unwavering support.
Behind every top footballer lies a family story of dedication and sacrifice. While players achieve fame and success, it’s their families who have made countless sacrifices to help them reach their potential. It’s no wonder so many players keep their loved ones close as they rise to the top—their journey was never theirs alone.
Sacrifices That Make Dreams Possible
For many players, family sacrifice is woven into their story of success. Take Cristiano Ronaldo, one of football’s brightest stars. His journey would have been impossible without his mother’s unyielding dedication. “My mother reared me up by sacrificing her life for me. She went to bed hungry to feed me. We had no money. She worked seven days a week and worked nights as a cleaner to buy me a pair of soccer boots, so I could play football.” Her sacrifices—working tirelessly, going without food, and shouldering an immense burden—allowed Ronaldo to nurture his talent. Without her sacrifices, his career might have remained just a dream.
Similarly, Marcus Rashford’s mother was his rock, hustling to give her son a chance despite difficult circumstances. “She lived the struggle. That is why it means the world to me that she is happy now and she is right next to me with everything that I do,” he said. Even when money was tight, she found a way to pay for his training sessions, hustling for scholarships to keep him on the field. Her persistence and resilience are embedded in Rashford’s own tenacity. When Rashford faces setbacks, his mother is there, her voice urging him to keep going. This bond, formed through shared struggle, provides Rashford with both strength and perspective, rooting his ambitions in the love that sustained him.
For Eden Hazard, his mother, Carine, was the one who introduced him to the game. A former striker herself, she continued playing even while three months pregnant with him, passing on not just her love of the game but also her drive. Hazard often reflects on her influence, saying, “I take after my mum as a player… My mum was a striker.” Her legacy lives on in the flair and confidence Hazard shows on the pitch, a blend of passion that began even before he was born. His mother’s love for the game and determination to keep playing became his heritage, inspiring him to achieve his own dreams.
Why Family is Involved in Management
Beyond sacrifice, families bring a unique perspective that no one else can offer. They understand the player’s background, values, and character better than any agent or coach ever could. By involving family members in a player’s career, players ensure that their management is rooted in people who have been there from the beginning and have their best interests at heart. Families are there not only to celebrate the victories but to remind the player who they are and where they come from.
Having family close by also helps players navigate the pressures of fame and financial success. In a sport where careers are short and intense, family provides the grounding that enables players to handle the highs and lows. Marcus Rashford’s mom, for example, continues to be a voice of support and reason in his life, guiding him through setbacks and encouraging him to keep pushing forward.
Neymar’s career exemplifies how powerful family management can be, with his father, Neymar Santos Sr., leading a company of about 200 staff dedicated to managing his brand. This extensive operation covers everything from sponsorships to public relations, ensuring that Neymar’s global image and marketability are properly maintained. Under his father’s leadership, Neymar has secured some of the most lucrative deals in football, demonstrating how strategic family involvement can elevate a player’s career beyond the pitch.
Similarly, other top players have thrived under family management. Adrien Rabiot’s career is steered by his mother, Véronique Rabiot, known for her assertive approach to negotiations and unwavering support. Juan Mata relies on his father, Juan Manuel Mata Sr., for guidance, ensuring his career choices reflect both professional aspirations and personal values. Mauro Icardi’s father has been a key figure, especially in his early career, providing crucial support and direction. These examples highlight the unique trust and dedication family members bring, creating a stable foundation that allows players to focus on their performance while navigating the complexities of professional football.
Creating a Stable Foundation
Involving family in a player’s management and career provides a unique level of stability and support. Family members are there through injuries, transfers, and the intense changes that define a footballer’s life. They help players stay focused on their goals, retain their values, and navigate challenges that might otherwise feel overwhelming. A player’s career is more than trophies and titles; it’s a journey shared with those who have supported them since day one.
The role of family in a footballer’s career is far more than sentimental. It’s an essential part of a player’s success, giving them the stability, grounding, and perspective needed to thrive on the pitch. Family may not get the spotlight, but their sacrifices and love remain the foundation upon which the player’s career is built—making them as integral to the journey as the player themselves. Just like the neck that supports the head, families keep players steady, helping them look forward, dream big, and achieve greatness.
Conclusion: Why The Ball Business Values Family in Management
At The Ball Business, we know that having family involved in a player’s management adds a depth of trust and loyalty that’s hard to match. Family members bring genuine support, acting not just in the player’s career interests but in their well-being as a whole. This involvement provides emotional stability and grounding in a world where the pressures are immense and constant. Family presence in management helps keep the player connected to their values and long-term aspirations, ensuring that each decision reflects a shared vision for success and fulfillment. It’s a partnership rooted in care and continuity—qualities that ultimately elevate a player’s career, both on and off the field.
