please log in to view this image The world of soccer is incredibly competitive and difficult to break in to. So many youngsters around the globe want to become professional soccer players and only a precious few ever get to realize such aspirations. It is perhaps surprising, then, that so many players have had fathers, uncles or brothers who played/are playing the game. Eiður Guðjohnsen almost got the chance to play alongside his father for the Icelandic national team back in 1996, but instead replaced his Dad as a sub and injury prevented the pair from ever having the opportunity to do so again. There is also the odd case of brother and sister soccer players, such as Eniola Aluko and Sone Aluko; Eniola plays for Chelsea Ladies and the England Women’s National Football Team whilst Sone chose to represent the Nigerian Men’s National Team and plays for Premier League side Hull City. However, this list is in regards to the ‘Top 15 Brothers in Soccer History’. Unsurprisingly, there is usually a superior brother who is clearly more talented. Some exceptional players have brothers who play professionally but at a much lower level. For example, Wayne Rooney is one of the most decorated players in the Premier League, whilst his brother also plays professionally for Chester in the Conference, the fifth tier of English football. This list is in reference to the brothers’ collective ability, so preferably brothers who are both distinguished soccer players in their own right. Top 15 can be found here - http://www.thesportster.com/soccer/top-15-brothers-in-soccer-history/
I think the greatest number of brothers to play professionally in the UK were the Clarkes; Alan. Frank, Derek, Wayne and Kelvin. The best known was Alan "Sniffer" who played for TWS in the Revie era.
Willy and Rene Van Der Kerkhoff. Played together for PSV won the European Cup and appeared in a WC final together too
Here's a blast from the past. The Robledo brothers played for Newcastle in the early 50s. George scored in the Cup final in 51 and 52. His brother also played at Wembley in 52. George, who was the better player was top scorer in the English First Division and also when he played in Chile. Although they were Chilean nationals, they were brought up in Wath on Dearne and played at first for Barnsley. When Newcastle went in for George he refused the move unless his brother went too. Newcastle got to wembley three times in five years also fielding Milburn among other Tyneside legends. I watched one of these games aged 9, on one the first tv's to appear at one my friends.
Shame it's brothers and not cousins otherwise we could have had George Weah and Ali Dia Edit: Also can't believe that the Brambles and the Sodjes aren't on the list.
Another footballing dynasty were the Charltons/Milburns. Through their mother, Cissie, Jack and Bobby were related to Jack Milburn, George Milburn, Jim Milburn and Stan Milburn, all professional footballers. They were also related to Jackie Milburn - the all time Newcastle United legend.
Here's another. No mark Dolan era striker Andy Mason, is the brother of not very good referee Lee Mason.
A few I remember not mentioned, but all are up there: 1) Ivor & Len Allchurch - Welsh internationals 2) Danny and Jackie Blanchflower - Northern Irish lads & internationals 3 John & Mel Charles - Welsh internationals 4) Denis & Leslie Compton - Arsenal footballers and both first class cricketers.
Bill Shankly was one of five brothers who all played professional league football. Bill himself played for Carlisle, Preston and Scotland before going on to become the greatest manager of all time (I dislike Liverpool but I still rate Shanks as the best manager ever).
