Having one LaLiga star talent in a family isn’t so common; two (or more) is ownright remarkable. Here’s a look at some of the brothers who have starred in LaLiga over the years.
Julio and Patxi Salinas
Julio and Patxi Salinas hold the record for most combined appearances by two brothers in LaLiga (725). The Bilbao-born brothers came through the prestigious youth academy at Athletic Club and played together for the Basque club’s first team between 1983 and 1986, before going on their separate ways. Centre-forward Julio had the more successful career of the two, going to play for Atletico de Madrid, Barcelona – where he won four consecutive LaLiga titles and the European Cup – RC Deportivo, R. Sporting and D. Alaves, but centre-back Patxi also had a very respectable career, making almost 450 appearances for Athletic and RC Celta.
Frank and Ronald De Boer
The De Boer twins had an extraordinary career. Both Frank and Ronald were part of the iconic Ajax team of the mid-1990s, winning the Champions League in 1995 before moving together to Barcelona, under their former coach Louis van Gaal, in 1999. They won LaLiga Santander that season but their time together in LaLiga lasted just one year. Ronald moved to Rangers after just a season, while Frank remained a mainstay at the Camp Nou until 2003.
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Thiago and Rafinha Alcântara
Thiago and Rafinha have a famous father in Mazinho, who won the World Cup with Brazil in 1994. He too played in Spain during his career and both of his sons spent much of their childhood in Spain, each passing through the world-famous La Masia academy on their way to reaching the Barça first team. Both have since moved away from Catalonia, though, with older brother Thiago enjoying success at Bayern Munich and younger brother Rafinha staying in Spain with RC Celta
Fernando and Manolo Hierro
Fernando Hierro is one of the most talented and decorated Spanish players in history, having captained both Real Madrid and Spain throughout his exceptional career. Not many football fans will know, however, that his two older brothers also played in the top tier of Spanish football, though of course without his level of success. Antonio Hierro managed a handful of appearances for Málaga, while Manolo Hierro forged a good career for himself in LaLiga Santander playing for Málaga CF, Real Valladolid, Real Betis and CD Tenerife. Both Fernando and Manolo mostly played at centre-back during their careers and even played in defence together at Valladolid during the 1987/88 season.
Kalu and Ikechukwu Uche
Kalu and Ikechukwu Uche were both born in the Nigerian city of Aba and went on to play as strikers at LaLiga Santander level. Ikechukwu spent almost his entire career in Spain with Recreativo Huelva, Getafe, Zaragoza and Villarreal, racking up almost 200 league appearances, while Kalu had a lot of success at Espanyol, Almeria and Levante.
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