The World Cup's Hottest Dads Are Even Bigger Stars in the Eyes of Their Kids
Soccer dad takes on a whole new meaning every four years. We're not talking about the dads who spend their weekends on the sidelines cheering on their kids. Rather, we've got our eyes on FIFA's biggest stars who are not only charged with earning their countries the coveted World Cup title but with playing Dad to some adorable tots, too. While fans around the world cheer on stars like Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Cristiano Ronaldo, there are a few little voices that rise above the crowd. Read on to see some adorable moments the world's greatest soccer stars shared with their kids. Source: Getty / Richard Heathcote, Instagram user cristiano, and Instagram user neymarjr
Luka Modrić — Croatia
Croatia's talented midfielder, Luka Modrić, is a proud father of two — son Ivano, 4, and daughter Ema, 1. A member of the Real Madrid squad, Modrić is often seen goofing around with his son at a number of sporting events and posting pictures with his kids, like this one from a few weeks ago. Source: Instagram user lukam10
Wayne Rooney — England
Manchester United's star forward is making a splash playing for England this Summer. Father to Kai, 4, and Klay, 1, Rooney frequently shows off his tots on his Instagram account. On Father's Day, he wrote, "Gutted with the result yesterday but we must believe an stay positive for the games coming up. Happy Fathers Day to all the dads, love being a dad to my two boys!" Source: Instagram user waynerooney
Wayne Rooney — England
Wayne Rooney showed off another cute photo with his younger son, Klay, last month. Source: Instagram user waynerooney
Wayne Rooney — England
Luis Suárez — Uruguay
Dad of two Luis Suárez is Uruguay's star forward. He shared this sweet picture of his family on Instagram, saying, "Thanks for coming and supporting me as always. You give me more energy than everyone else!! I love you a lot!!"
Proud father of daughter Delfina and son Benjamin, the 27-year-old forward from Uruguay has already had many outings with his special ones. He sported a million-dollar smile each time he made an appearance on the football grounds with his children wearing his team's jerseys.
Source: Instagram user luis16suarez
David Villa — Spain
Dad of three David Villa just finished up his soccer career, scoring a goal in Spain's 3-0 win over Australia. Dad to Zaida, Olaya, and Luca, Villa has his three kids' names engraved on his shoes. Source: Instagram user davidvilla
Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior — Brazil
One of the most recognized faces in soccer, Brazil's Neymar is father to 3-year-old David, whom he fondly calls Davi. Only 19 years old when he became a father, Neymar remarked that Davi was "2.8 kilograms of pure happiness." Source: Instagram user neymarjr
Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior — Brazil
Source: Instagram user neymarjr
Clint Dempsey — United States
On Father's Day, Dempsey posted a cute picture with his kids. He and his wife have two daughters, Elyse and Sophia, and one son, Jackson. Source: Instagram user clint_dempsey
Cristiano Ronaldo — Portugal
The world's most famous — and most highly paid — soccer star, Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, is often seen with his son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., almost 4. The father-son duo are often seen traveling the world, such as they were here on International Children's Day. Source: Instagram user cristiano
Cesc Fàbregas — Spain
Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fàbregas is playing for his home country of Spain this Summer and taking time out to share photos with his 1-year-old daughter, Lia. Source: Instagram user cescf4bregas
Cesc Fàbregas — Spain
Cesc Fàbregas shared, "#BestSelfie Pure happiness! Goodnight!" Source: Instagram user cescf4bregas
Lionel Messi — Argentina
Soccer legend Lionel Messi is never too far from his 1-year-old son, Thiago — he has the boy's name and handprints tattooed on his left calf! The Barcelona star's son is often seen wearing his dad's jersey both on and off the field. Source: Instagram user leomessi
Gerard Piqué — Spain
Shakira's boyfriend, Gerard Piqué, is frequently spotted holding the couple's 1-year-old son, Milan, decked out in his dad's FC Barcelona jersey. Source: Instagram user 3gerardpique
Gerard Piqué — Spain
Source: Instagram user shakira
Iker Casillas — Spain
Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas's 6-month-old son, Martín, is the star of his dad's Instagram feed. This image of the Real Madrid star holding his son near the trophy has more than 289,000 likes! Source: Instagram user ikercasillasoficial
Fernando Gago — Argentina
Argentinian midfielder Fernando Gago brought his 1-year-old son, Mateo, onto the field for the national anthem before a match against Trinidad and Tobago.
Kaká — Brazil
Brazilian superstar and Club Milan midfielder Kaká is dad to Luca, 6, and Isabella, 3. Though he isn't playing for his home team this year, Kaká's been seen in the stands, cheering them on, with Luca.
Robin van Persie — The Netherlands
Dutch striker and team captain Robin van Persie is dad to a son named Shaqueel and daughter named Dina. Throughout the World Cup, he's been seen playing with his kids during his downtime.
Robin van Persie — The Netherlands
Faryd Mondragón — Colombia
Colombian goalkeeper Faryd Mondragón is the oldest player to ever play at a World Cup tournament at 43 years old. He celebrated with his son, Lucca, after a match against Japan this week.
Marcelo Vieira — Brasil
Brazilian left back Marcelo Vieira brought his 4-year-old son, Enzo, on the field to celebrate his team's win last year.
Dejan Lovren — Croatia
Croation center back Dejan Lovren brought his daughter onto the field. Source: Instagram user dejanlovren5
DaMarcus Beasley — United States
US winger DaMarcus Beasley recently welcomed a daughter, Lia. He shared a recent FaceTime session with her. Source: Instagram user trickybeas
Brad Jones — Australia
Australian goalkeeper Brad Jones brought his 2-year-old, Nico, to a game. Source: Instagram user jones_brad
Jermaine Jones — United States
US midfielder Jermaine Jones has five children — Keanu, Liya-Joelle, Kenyon, Junius, and Jadee-Mae — two of whom traveled with him to Istanbul earlier this year. Source: Instagram user jermainejunior
Nick Rimando — United States
US goalie Nick Rimando says leaving his kids, Jett and Benny, is the hardest part of the job! Source: Instagram user nickrimando