Online Reporter
SOME say footballers have everything done for them.
And in many cases, that is absolutely spot on.
Because after news of Joshua Zirkzee paying someone simply to arrange his wardrobe —yes, you read that right — SunSport rounds up footballers’ most bizarre employees.
Safe to say, these are pretty remarkable.
T-ZIRK AND SHORTS
Zirkzee may not always look top-dollar in front of goal for Manchester United — but he makes sure he does away from the pitch.
SunSport revealed how he flies in his personal fashion stylist Sydney Luchies from Holland to sort his wardrobe. She reorganises the walk-in wardrobe, clears out clobber surplus to requirements and makes space for new gear — before flying back home again.
NEYMAR’S PROFESSIONAL PARTY PA PALS
Think money can’t buy friendship? Think again — well, according to Neymar anyway.
The Brazilian superstar employed his own mates to work for him. The crew — nicknamed the Toiss (‘us guys’) —included seven pals over the years, and they were paid a cool £8,000 per month.
Their duties included photographer, social media, content creator, financial manager, housemate, A-list party organiser and even emotional support.
JERMAIN’S FRIDGE DEFOE WON’T BE EMPTY
Back in 2015, Jermain Defoe moved from Toronto to Sunderland. And as he settled in the North-East, he advertised for an executive personal assistant.
The role paid between £50,000 and £60,000 per year depending on the experience of the successful applicant. But it was a relentless job description.
The employee needed to be available 24/7 and were tasked with stocking the fridge, paying bills, picking outfits, watering plants, organising his social calendar, planning holidays and ‘special yearly events’ such as Bonfire Night and Christmas, hiring interior designers, going to dry cleaners, arranging gardeners and even sorting out his family and pets.
MARIO BALOTELLI’S MRS DOUBTFIREWORKS
It’s no surprise that Manchester City wanted a babysitter to look after Mario Balotelli, the man whose bathroom famously caught fire after fireworks were set off in his bathroom.
So, they employed an elderly person to regularly visit the house and make sure everything was all okay.
She cleaned, ironed, took care of the Balotelli pad and, most importantly, made sure young Mario didn’t get up to anything too dangerous at home.
The no-nonsense babysitter, rather humorously, got nicknamed Mrs Doubtfire, too.
CRIZZZTIANO RONALDOZE
Cristiano Ronaldo spends every waking moment seemingly dedicated to being the best footballer he can be. And every sleeping moment, too.
Ronaldo employed elite sports sleep coach Nick Littlehales after his work with Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and England.
The Portuguese superstar wanted to find that extra detail to improve his recovery and keep him in the best condition to deliver on the pitch.
The secret?
The body needs 35 sleep cycles of 90 minutes per week – or five cycles per day – whether that be one long overnight sleep or a shorter sleep and some naps during the day.
LENS ANTONY A HAND
SunSport revealed in April 2024 that Manchester United £85million flop Antony had hired a personal photographer. The Brazilian celebrated his long-overdue first Prem goal of the 2023-24 season in one of the last games— and went over to his snapper to capture the moment. He hugged his dedicated pal, got a Sonic the Hedgehog toy off him and then popped the football under his shirt in a nod to his son. Sadly, for the snapper, there really weren’t many highlights of Antony to photograph during his ill-fated Old Trafford spell.
PAUL POGBA SAYS TANKS VERY MUCH
Sticking with players who underwhelmed at Manchester United, Paul Pogba.
The French midfielder installed a massive fish tank at his Cheshire mansion, filled with his beloved ‘Pogfish’.
And while such large-scale aquariums require specialist maintenance services, there were unconfirmed rumours he employed someone to feed his fish and keep them feeling full. —Sun.
