Top 5 famous twin football players

In football, it is relatively uncommon to see twin players rise to prominence, especially at the highest level of the game. While twins exist across many sports, it is rare to find both siblings playing football professionally, and even rarer for both to make an impact at major clubs.

Despite this, the sport has produced a handful of remarkable twin footballers—past and present—who share not only a family bond but also a passion for the beautiful game. Some of these twins have gone on to represent top teams and compete on the biggest stages in world football.

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of the most famous twin football players in the history of the sport.

Top 5 famous twin football players

5. Radja & Riana Nainggolan

Most football fans know Radja Nainggolan — the intense, mohawked midfield enforcer who, at his peak, was a nightmare for opponents while starring for Cagliari, AS Roma, and Inter Milan.

What many don’t realize, however, is that Radja has a twin sister. During his time at Roma, Riana Nainggolan was carving out her own professional career, playing both futsal and football at a high level.

4. Lars & Sven Bender

Despite enjoying outstanding Bundesliga careers, Lars and Sven Bender never quite received the recognition they deserved at international level with Germany. Both were reliable, versatile defenders, yet their national team careers were relatively modest—Lars earning 19 caps and Sven just seven. 

After spending many successful years at Bayer Leverkusen, the twins retired together in 2021. Since then, Sven has moved into management and is now the head coach of SpVgg Unterhaching.

3. Rafael & Fabio Da Silva

Before Rafael da Silva and Fabio joined Manchester United in 2008, club scout Les Kershaw watched them play for Fluminense and famously described the twins as “two little whippets” because of their pace and energy.

While Fabio struggled to nail down a regular place at left-back, Rafael quickly established himself as a first-team regular under Sir Alex Ferguson. He became a fan favourite for his relentless style before eventually leaving United for Lyon. Both brothers departed Old Trafford permanently in 2014, but their paths then diverged — Fabio moved to Wales to join Cardiff City, while Rafael headed to France.

Now 35 years old, the twins are nearing the twilight of their careers. Rafael last played for Botafogo, while Fabio most recently represented Grêmio.

2. Frank & Ronald de Boer

The De Boer brothers were an exceptionally talented pair of twins who made their mark long before the Timbers came into existence.

Frank de Boer’s reputation as a player is beyond question. He earned the third-most caps in the history of the Dutch national team, won the UEFA Champions League, and collected league titles with both Ajax and Barcelona. While his managerial career has not reached the same heights, his achievements on the pitch speak for themselves.

His twin brother Ronald enjoyed similar success. He also won the Champions League with Ajax and claimed La Liga titles alongside Frank at Barcelona, but did so in a very different role. Whereas Frank built his legacy as a defender, Ronald made his name playing further forward.

1. Jurrien & Quinten Timber

Twins are a rare sight in professional football, making Jurrien and Quinten Timber’s recent achievement even more remarkable. The brothers became only the third pair of twins to play together for the Dutch national team, adding to the Oranje’s unique history of producing twin players.

During the Nations League match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, both brothers came on as substitutes and shared the pitch — a special moment for the Timber family. While Quinten Timber, a key player for Feyenoord, is slightly less well known internationally despite winning multiple Eredivisie and KNVB Cup titles, his twin brother Jurrien has gained wider recognition through his performances at Arsenal.

Cover Credits - ESPN