The Ultimate Bond: Top 15 Best Friendships in the World of Football

Football is a sport that thrives on teamwork, with players coming together to fight for the success of their team. In the process, strong bonds and friendships are formed both on and off the pitch. Just like in any other aspect of life, when two individuals connect and share experiences, a special relationship is sparked. Betimate presents the top 15 football friendships, showcasing the beautiful connections that have emerged within the game. So sit back, relax, and enjoy these heartwarming tales of camaraderie in the world of football.

15. Thiago Silva and David Luiz 

Thiago Silva and David Luiz share one of the most remarkable friendships in modern football.

Having been childhood best friends, the Brazilians grew up together, playing football side by side. Not only were they close on the field, but their families were also neighbors and friends, further strengthening their bond.

Their friendship extended to the international stage as well, as both Silva and Luiz played together for the Brazilian national team. As central defenders, they formed a formidable partnership, showcasing their understanding and chemistry on the pitch.

14. Aubameyang And Lacazette

The dynamic duo of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette at Arsenal not only created a lethal strike partnership but also forged a special friendship.

Since Aubameyang's arrival in North London two years ago, the bond between the two players has grown stronger both on and off the field. They can often be seen training together, pushing each other to improve, and celebrating goals as a team.

The friendship between Aubameyang and Lacazette has had a positive impact on Arsenal's attacking prowess. Their selflessness and constant goal threat have bolstered the team's attacking department, creating a formidable force that opponents find hard to contain.

Not only do they complement each other's playing styles, but their friendship also adds an extra layer of understanding and chemistry on the pitch. Together, Aubameyang and Lacazette have elevated Arsenal's attacking game and demonstrated the power of a strong friendship in football.

13. Mesut Özil And Mathieu Flamini

During Mathieu Flamini's time at the Emirates Stadium, he formed a strong bond with Mesut Özil, and their friendship was often described as being "closer than twins." Laurent Koscielny once stated that they were inseparable, joking that if one of them went to the toilet, the other would be right behind.

Their friendship extended beyond the football pitch, as in 2022, Flamini and Özil became business partners. They collaborated to establish a health and wellness company called Unity Performance Lab, showcasing their shared passion for promoting a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

12. Mario Götze And Marco Reus

Mario Götze and Marco Reus share one of the most cherished friendships in the world of football.

Both players rose to prominence at Borussia Dortmund under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp. They formed a formidable partnership on the pitch, showcasing their exceptional skills and understanding of each other's game.

While Götze later embarked on a journey that took him to Bayern Munich, his return to Dortmund brought immense joy to Reus and the fans. Despite subsequent moves to PSV and Eintracht Frankfurt, Götze's bond with Reus remains strong.

Their friendship extends beyond the football pitch, and they continue to maintain a close relationship even though they are no longer playing together. The enduring nature of their friendship serves as a testament to the deep connection they formed during their time at Dortmund.

Götze and Reus exemplify the power of friendship in football, showing that even as careers take different paths, true camaraderie can withstand the test of time.

11. David Alaba And Franck Ribery

Franck Ribery and David Alaba, who were long-term teammates at Bayern Munich, joined the club in 2007 and 2008, respectively. Together, they experienced immense success both on and off the pitch.

During their time at Bayern Munich, Ribery and Alaba formed a strong bond, not only as teammates but as friends. Their friendship extended beyond their playing careers, and they continued to support and cherish each other's successes.

While Ribery has since retired from professional football, and Alaba has moved on to join Real Madrid, their friendship remains intact. Despite being at different clubs, they have maintained a close relationship and continue to support each other.

10. Mason Mount And Declan Rice

Mason Mount and Declan Rice, childhood friends who spent six years together at Chelsea's academy, had their paths diverge when Rice was released from the club at the age of 14.

Rice found a new home at West Ham and experienced a breakthrough campaign last season, showcasing his talent and potential. Meanwhile, Mount made steady progress through the ranks at Chelsea, enjoying a successful loan spell at Derby County and now striving to establish himself in the first team.

Both players have also earned their debut caps for the English national team, further highlighting their individual achievements. However, their friendship will be put aside when their respective clubs face each other on the pitch.

In a surprising turn of events, Mason Mount made a move to Manchester United, while Declan Rice joined Arsenal in the summer transfer window of 2023.

The contrasting paths and new club affiliations demonstrate the unpredictable nature of football and the ever-changing dynamics within the sport. Despite their different destinations, the bond between Mount and Rice remains strong, and their friendship will endure even as they compete against each other on the field.

9. Phillippe Coutinho And Roberto Firmino

At Liverpool, the Brazilian duo formed a strong partnership both on and off the pitch. Even after Philippe Coutinho's transfer to Barcelona, their relationship remained unaffected, and they were often spotted enjoying social gatherings together.

Roberto Firmino once expressed his deep bond with Coutinho, describing him as "one of the best friends football has given me."

However, since their time at Liverpool, their paths have diverged. Coutinho has moved on to Aston Villa in the English Premier League, while Firmino recently joined Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League.

Despite their different club affiliations, the friendship between Coutinho and Firmino continues to endure. Their connection serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of friendship in football, transcending club loyalties and geographic distances.

8. Paul Pogba And Romelu Lukaku

Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku share a deep friendship that predates their time at Manchester United. Their bond extends beyond the football pitch, as they enjoy playing basketball, going on holidays together, and even dancing.

Pogba played a significant role in bringing Lukaku to Old Trafford, being instrumental in the deal that saw the Belgian striker join Manchester United.

7. Kylian Mbappé and Achraf Hakimi

Undoubtedly, Kylian Mbappé shares a strong bond with Achraf Hakimi, the Moroccan full-back at PSG.

Their friendship blossomed when Hakimi joined the club in 2021, and they have been close pals ever since.

During the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, an interesting scenario unfolded as Hakimi and Mbappé found themselves on opposite sides when France faced Morocco in the semifinals.

Morocco manager Walid Regragui acknowledged the exceptional relationship between Mbappé and Hakimi, describing them not just as friends, but as brothers.

This bromance between the two speedy footballers has not only resulted in goals but also contributed to PSG's domestic trophy successes. Their tight-knit friendship amplifies the positive impact that camaraderie can have on the pitch, showcasing the power of strong relationships in achieving shared goals.

6. Gerard Pique And Cesc Fabregas

Gerard Pique and Cesc Fabregas have been acquainted since their time together at La Masia, Barcelona's renowned academy, where they also played alongside Lionel Messi.

During their teenage years, Pique had the opportunity to join Fabregas at Arsenal but ultimately decided to make a move to Manchester United instead.

Fate brought them together again when they both returned to their beloved club, Barcelona, where they lined up alongside each other on the pitch. Together, they experienced a period of immense success, winning numerous trophies during their time at Camp Nou.

Although Fabregas eventually left Barcelona to join Chelsea, their friendship and shared experiences extended beyond club football. Both Pique and Fabregas achieved great success at the international level, representing Spain and becoming European and world champions together.

5. Olivier Giroud And Laurent Koscielny

Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscielny have shared a strong bond that traces back to their days at French second division club, Tours.

Their friendship continued to thrive when Giroud made the move to Arsenal in 2012, joining Koscielny at the London club. Together, they played pivotal roles in helping the Gunners secure F.A Cup triumphs, leaving an indelible mark on the club's history.

However, their paths diverged in subsequent years. Giroud made a transfer to Chelsea in 2018, while Koscielny moved to Bordeaux during the recent transfer window.

Despite their different club affiliations, the friendship between Giroud and Koscielny remains intact. Their shared experiences and successes on the pitch have forged a lasting connection.

4. Moussa Dembele And Jan Vertonghen

Dembele and Vertonghen have been acquainted since they were just 10 years old, forming a bond that transcends their football careers.

An intriguing moment occurred when Vertonghen scored his first goal for Ajax against Dembele's AZ Alkmaar. In a remarkable twist, Vertonghen found the net from a corner kick while being marked by Dembele.

Their paths crossed once again at Tottenham Hotspur, but this time as teammates. Together, they created unforgettable memories in North London, contributing to the success of the club. However, Dembele departed for China in January 2019.

Both players also played crucial roles as key members of the Belgian national team, representing their country at the highest level.

3. Zlatan Ibrahimovic And Maxwell

The roots of their friendship were planted in 2001 when Zlatan Ibrahimovic made the move from Malmo to Ajax. Maxwell played a pivotal role in helping the Swede settle into his new environment, fostering a strong bond between them.

As their careers progressed, their friendship only grew stronger. It seemed as though they were destined to be teammates, as they followed each other to various clubs. They played together at Inter Milan, Barcelona, and PSG, leaving an indelible mark on each team they represented.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo And Marcelo

During Cristiano Ronaldo's tenure at Real Madrid, he and Marcelo formed a formidable partnership on the pitch, causing havoc for opposing defenders and leaving a lasting impact.

Their connection extended beyond the football field, as they shared a special bond off the pitch as well. Regularly engaging in playful pranks during training sessions, they showcased a unique understanding and a shared sense of humor.

When Ronaldo made the move to Juventus, it came as no surprise that he attempted to entice Marcelo to join him in Turin. Their friendship and on-field chemistry made the prospect of a reunion all the more enticing.

1. Lionel Messi And Luis Suarez

Since Luis Suarez's arrival at Barcelona from Liverpool, he and Lionel Messi have developed a profound understanding both on and off the pitch.

Teaming up with Neymar, they formed a formidable attacking trio that struck fear into the hearts of opponents. However, when Neymar departed for PSG, Messi and Suarez's bond grew even stronger. Their friendship extended beyond football, encompassing their wives as well.

Antonella Roccuzzo, Messi's partner, and Sofia Balbi, Suarez's partner, not only share a close friendship but also jointly own a boutique in Barcelona. This connection between their respective families further solidifies the deep bond between Messi and Suarez.