8 International Soccer Legends Uncover Their Roots

In anticipation of this summer’s tournament, MyHeritage teamed up with eight international soccer (AKA football!) legends to help them discover their roots. We revealed their DNA ethnicity results and helped them learn more about their family histories to see whether, beyond national rivalries, there’s more that unites us than divides us.

Representing some of the greatest national soccer teams from around the world, Gilberto Silva (Brazil), John Barnes (England), Lothar Matthäus (Germany), Clarence Seedorf (Holland), Hernán Crespo (Argentina), Robert Pires (France), Gianluca Zambrotta (Italy), and Luis García (Spain) met in London to reflect on their heritage, their careers, and what playing for their national teams meant to them.

Things took a more personal turn when the players received their MyHeritage DNA results. We revealed to the players their ethnicity results, information about their DNA Matches, as well as family history research with historical records and photos of their ancestors.

Get a sneak peek of their discussion, moderated by renowned sports presenter Kelly Cates.

You can learn more about the players, their surprising ethnicity results, and their incredible family history discoveries on the special Football DNA website we’ve launched today to showcase this project. There you will be able to view the full documentary, behind the scenes footage, and one-on-one videos with each of the players.