The term doppelgänger refers to the double of someone. In German, it translates to "double walker." What are the chances of you meeting your look-alike anywhere in the world? Finding one's duplicate would generate many debating points and could even become comical. Do you look forward to meeting yours?
Although it is rare, we have seen some footballers with a striking resemblance to renowned celebrities, movie characters, or even other soccer players. We bring you a list of some famous players with their mirror images, though some may slightly miss the mark. Don't be shocked to find a player appearing twice, though!
Sacha Kljestan Looks Like Leo Messi
Lionel Messi oozes footballing class and is a trophy-laden individual; not so much the name Sacha Kljestan! Nonetheless, both are soccer players from the Americas, with Messi hailing from Argentina and being a prolific forward. The little-known, lanky Kljestan is an American of Serbian origin who played in the midfield before retiring.
That's all about their football careers; however, they share a physical resemblance, with the former Chivas and LA Galaxy player embodying the physical traits of the Argentine PSG forward. We hope no one, including the teams he played for, ever confused him for Messi. Fortunately, Kljestan has a trademark beard and is taller.
Marwin Hitz Looks Like Yann Sommer
The first point of convergence between Marwin Hitz and Yann Sommer is that both are professional Swiss international soccer players. Second, they're both goalkeepers in the beautiful game, with Hitz for Basel and Sommer for German footballing juggernauts and six-time UEFA Champions League winners Bayern Munich.
As if those similarities weren't enough, this image shows such an uncanny resemblance between the two that one would mistake them for twins. Both having played in Germany, Hitz previously for Borussia Dortmund, their likeness perhaps caused some consternation when they met. Luckily, team jerseys help in differentiation, as Sommer was then the Borussia Mönchengladbach goalie.
Kingsley Coman Looks Like David Alaba
When turning out for Bayern Munich, versatile Austrian player David Alaba spotted the same hairstyle as his then-winger teammate, Frenchman Kingsley Coman. While the marauding French youngster tore defenses with quick speed and footwork, Alaba took up three positions in the field: center back, midfielder, and left back, before he left for Real Madrid.
These former Bayern Munich colleagues may be from different countries and play for different teams in various leagues, but they have something in common. They look so much alike that several publications have often mixed up their picture footnote captions when running news about one instead of the other!
Bekim Balaj Looks Like Marc-André ter Stegen
Towering German goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is famous for his heroics in keeping the goal for Barcelona. Although he's yet to prove his worth for his national team due to Manuel Nuer's experience, he's nonetheless proved his prowess in the field. Bekim Balaj is a name we're all probably hearing for the first time.
He's an Albanian striker who plays for Vllaznia Shkodr in the Albanian league, Kategoria Superiore. If anyone were to meet the two players together, they would think they're the same person, as Balaj is the spitting image of ter Stegen. Both are six feet and two inches tall.
Rune Jarstein Looks Like Klaas-Jan Huntelaar
While Norwegian Rune Jarstein is responsible for stopping the goals from going in for German club Hertha BSC, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar was the flying Dutchman responsible for kicking them in. He may be retired, but his career was full of goals, playing for no less than ten teams, including the mighty Real Madrid and Ajax.
This image shows an unusual resemblance between the two, with Huntelaar on the left in a blue Schalke 04 jersey, a Bundesliga team he played for in two stints. Jarstein is probably the happiest of the two, as he no longer has to face his double in a match.
Joshua Kimmich Looks Like Ivan Rakitić
We had to pull this one from the archives as it shows Bayern Munich starlet Joshua Kimmich as a spitting image of former Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitić. Admittedly, the two probably don't look as alike now as they did when this picture was taken. This kind of resemblance would give managers headaches if the two were teammates.
Rakitić is a Swiss-born Croatian central and attacking midfielder who plays for Sevilla in La Liga. Kimmich, a goal-scoring defensive midfielder and right back, still plies his trade in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich, having joined the team in 2015 from RB Leipzig.
Vicente Iborra Looks Like Salvatore Sirigu
Salvatore Sirigu, the legendary Italian goalkeeper, spent most of his career with Paris Saint-Germain and Torino. The shots stopper keeps between the sticks for Fiorentina in Serie A, having joined in January 2023. Vicente Iborra is a veteran Spanish defensive midfielder from Villarreal who has been loaned to Levante.
These two are different nationalities playing different positions in the field, but even that can't stop their uncanny resemblance. Unfortunately, their similarities stop there. Unlike Iborra, who's excellent with his feet, Sirigu's Achilles heel is likely his ball control ability, something we suspect would greatly let him down as an outfielder.
Oswaldo Alanís Looks Like Mats Hummels
Mexican center-back Oswaldo Alanís may be playing the same position as Mats Hummels, but he's less popular than the German defensive stalwart. In fact, the only thing that ties them together is their striking resemblance. Having been brought to their attention, the two lookalikes took to social media to take a swipe at it.
Alanís has quietly gone about his business playing for Santos Laguna, Guadalajara, and Mazatlán, all in Mexico, Spain, and the United States. Conversely, Hummels has been a household name, playing for German powerhouses Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, both on two separate stints and with great success.
Lionel Messi Looks Like Liam Neeson
Argentine magician Lionel Messi makes a comeback to the list; this time, his resemblance has nothing to do with a football player. We go to Hollywood, where we find veteran North Irish actor Liam Neeson, who's the spitting image of the 2022 World Cup winner with Argentina in Qatar.
The "Schindler's List" actor has seen untold success on screen since 1976. He's won several accolades, much like Messi, including an Academy Award and two Tony Awards. Both characters continue to strut their stuff, with the Argentine leading the line for PSG and Neeson appearing in several works in 2022, including "Marlowe."
Karim Benzema Looks Like Shia LaBeouf
Real Madrid's talismanic player Karim Benzema may be resetting records on the field with Los Blancos. Still, while he's doing that, his double Shia LaBeouf is writing a history of his own. The French striker has been the leading man for the titanic La Liga team since Cristiano Ronaldo left for Juventus in 2018.
LaBeouf is an actor, filmmaker, and performing artist who made his name in "Even Stevens" and has gone on to star in many films with stellar performances. It's difficult to tell the difference between the two when they're placed next to each other, like in this picture. Lost brothers, perhaps!
David Alaba Looks Like Tyler, the Creator
American rapper-singer and record producer Tyler, the Creator, has experienced untold success in his musical career since 2007. The "New Magic Wand" hitmaker and founding member of Odd Future, a music collective, has won several accolades, including a BRIT Award, three BET Hip Hop Awards, an MTV Video Music Award, and two Grammy Awards.
His success is comparable to that of his doppelgänger David Alaba, who plays as a center back or overlapping left back for La Liga giants Real Madrid. The Austrian, who spots spitting physical features in the musical icon, has won three EUFA Champions League trophies and several domestic titles.
Chris Kamara Looks Like Lionel Richie
Former English professional midfielder Chris Kama may have long since retired, but his time off the pitch could have been enough for him to confuse Lionel Richie fans. There's probably no one on this list that comes close to their striking resemblance. The duo has similar skin tones and sports the same mustache.
In fact, if "All Night Long (All Night)" hitmaker Richie were to leave the stage for the former Swindon Town and Brantford midfield enforcer, no one would notice the difference. That is until he sings because he would give himself away by having a different voice or not knowing the lyrics.
Luka Modric Looks Like David Guetta
Croatia boasts expansive talent in football, but one man who probably stands tall above the rest is Real Madrid midfield lynchpin Luka Modrić. The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner started his career at Dinamo Zagreb in 2003 and has scaled the heights to represent Los Blancos at the highest level of football.
While he's silently strutting his stuff in Spain, a French DJ shares something in common with him. David Guetta is a well-known disc jockey and music producer who appears to be a carbon copy of Modrić, especially when he keeps his long hair and doesn't even need to shave his beard.
Arjen Robben Looks Like Patrick Stewart
Movie makers shouldn't be worried at all if, by any chance, they fail to reach Patrick Stewart for his trademark villain roles. Instead, they should contact Dutch winger Arjen Robben, a former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich player. Does anyone need to be told why that's so? Just take a look at this image!
The "Antony and Cleopatra" actor has had an expansive career spanning nearly 65 years and has shown no signs of retiring soon. His lookalike, Robben, retired in 2021 at Groningen, having won several domestic titles and a UEFA Champions League medal, while Stewart is a Primetime Emmy and an Oliver Award winner.
Jonjo Shelvey Looks Like Dr. Evil
Nottingham Forest midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has always been a clean-shaven lad, which has become his trademark look throughout his career. The professional English football player has played for Charlton Athletic, Liverpool, Swansea City, and New Castle United. Going back to his clean-shaven head, it gives him a familiar resemblance to a popular movie character.
Oddly enough, he's the double of Douglas Powers, aka Dr. Evil, who's an evil fictional character in the
"Austin Powers" film series. The secret twin of Austin Powers enjoys antagonizing his movie brother by hatching malicious schemes to terrorize the world, which we're sure Shelvey would never do.
Fernando Torres Looks Like Bruno
This is yet another case of a player resembling a film character: the retired Spanish forward Fernando Torres and Brüno Gehard, a satirical fictional character played by English thespian Sacha Baron Cohen. Bruno, also spelled Brueno, is a boisterous Austrian gay fashion reporter who has appeared in "Da Ali G Show," "Brüno," and "Borat."
His lookalike, Torres the El Niño, retired in 2018 after a trophy-laden career that saw him play in Spain, England, Italy, and Japan. He's since taken up coaching and is in charge of the Atlético Madrid U19 side, whose senior team he played for on two different stints.
Demba Ba Looks Like Tyrese Gibson
We'd swear we'd seen twin brothers if we hadn't known that retired Senegalese striker Demba Ba and American actor and singer Tyrese Gibson are not the same person. Given their uncanny and striking resemblance, this image doesn't leave much room for doubt. Gibson is famous for his "Sweet Lady" hit single and stellar "Fast & Furious" movie franchise performances.
The "Baby Boy" actor's lookalike has nothing on-screen except his scintillating showings in the field for about 13 teams, including West Ham United, Newcastle United, and Chelsea. Ba retired in 2021 from the Swiss side of Lugano and took up the chairmanship of NISA's ASC San Diego.
Xabi Alonso Looks Like Jason Bateman
Had he not been a midfield lynchpin during his playing days, former Spanish professional Xabi Alonso wouldn't have played for giants like Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich. He had the unusual ability to man the center pitch alone and push his teammates ahead in search of goals.
The Bayer Leverkusen manager has a lookalike in Jason Bateman, who would have replaced him without anyone noticing had he been younger and possessed the skills Alonso had. However, Bateman is an accomplished actor, producer, and director and a multiple-award winner known for blockbuster films such as "Teen Wolf Too," "Identity Thief," and "Thunder Force."
Jermaine Pennant Looks Like John Legend
By any chance, are Jermaine Pennant and John Legend brothers? Not at all! However, their uncanny resemblance leaves a lot to be desired. This image shows Legend, a singer-songwriter, pianist, and record producer, on the right. He's famous for releasing the "Get Lifted" album and the hit singles "Ordinary People" and "All of Me."
Pennant was famous for his dancing feet on the ball, plying the wings for several teams, including Arsenal, Liverpool, and Stoke City. The duo appears similar with their grown hair and beards, but we doubt you would notice the similarities if both or one of them was clean-shaven.
Rüştü Reçber Looks Like Oded Fehr
Rüştü Reçber was a high-flying goalkeeper during his playing days with Antalyaspor, Fenerbahçe (on two different stints), Barcelona, and Beşiktaş before retiring in 2012. The former Turkey international even represented his nation at the 2008 UEFA Euro and the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where they got knocked out in the semifinals.
The sports executive loved painting a black line above his two cheeks, a look that made him resemble Ardeth Bay, a Medjai warrior, and chieftain in the movie "The Mummy Returns." But in real life, he comes no closer to resembling Israeli actor Oded Fehr, who embodied the iconic character in the film.
Pavel Nedvěd Looks Like Patrick Swayze
It would seem that there are more similarities between former soccer player Pavel Nedvěd and actor Patrick Swayze other than their striking physical likeness. The former Czech player retired in 2009 after playing for Sparta Prague, Lazio, and Juventus. Oddly enough, that's the same year the American thespian left the acting stage following his death.
Still, Nedvěd, a former midfield stalwart, showed his versatility by going into management and becoming a director at Juventus before resigning in November 2022, much like Swayze, who dabbled in singing and dancing. Both showed elements of toughness, with the actor often getting cast in romantic, comedic, and tough roles.
Diego Milito Looks Like Rocky Balboa
In 2006, the sports drama film "Rocky Balboa" was released to critical acclaim, given the outstanding performance of Sylvester Stallone we had become accustomed to. Uniquely, the movie was also written and directed by the lead actor, Stallone (Rocky Balboa). While we recall the film's events quite well, something striking comes out of it.
The former two-time heavyweight champion and retired boxer resembles another accomplished athlete, Diego Milito. He may be a sports manager, but the former Argentina international tore defenses apart with his fleet-footed skills, scoring goals for fun for Real Zaragoza, Razing Club, and Inter Milan as a striker.
Fernando Looks Like Barack Obama
We doubt there are many people around the world that can take pride in being former President Barrack Obama's doppelgängers, not even in Kenya, where his father hailed from. However, former Manchester City midfielder Fernando Francisco Reges, popularly known as Fernando, can lay claim to resembling the former powerful world leader.
The Brazilian defensive midfielder for Sevilla has some striking similarities with Obama, particularly their ears and lips, although their square pyramid-shaped faces also come close. Fernando, who has played for Galatasaray in Turkey, started his career at Vila Nova in his home country but cemented his prowess in Porto, Portugal.
Xavier Hernández Looks Like Josh Radnor
Barcelona coach Xavier Hernández, or simply Xavi, had a trophy-laden career with the team he's tasked with restoring to glory. The four-time UEFA Champions League winner also turned out for Spain with great aplomb, winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and two EUFA Euro winners' medals.
Known as a tactful midfielder, Xavi probably never met his equal on the field, but the same can't be said for his physical appearance. It turns out that American actor-musician, author, and filmmaker Josh Radnor shares similar physical features with the Spanish center magician, especially when they let their hair loose and spiky.
Eden Hazard Looks Like Nick Jonas
Singer-songwriter and actor Nick Jonas is married to one of Hollywood's hottest and most popular actress-producers, Priyanka Chopra, with whom they share a daughter. Everything seems rosy for the "What a Man Gotta Do" hitmaker and his wife, but we doubt he can afford to rest on his laurels if one person is nearby.
Belgian and Real Madrid attacking midfielder Eden Hazard presents a mirror image of the famous musician that's enough to confuse any of their avid followers. When both have their hair and beards trimmed low, they look like the same person, and this, we believe, may even confuse Chopra herself.
Gianluigi Buffon Looks Like William Fichtner
It's unknown what soccer team the great actor William Fichtner supports, let alone if he actually loves the sport. His clamor to fame came in "Invasion," but he's outdone himself on screen with stellar performances in "Prison Break," "Mom," and "Crossing Lines." The versatile actor has a link to a seasoned soccer player, though!
He may not know it yet, but Fichtner had an eerie likeness to seasoned Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon during the early stages of his football career when he kept slightly longer hair. The 1978-born Parma shot-stopper had an incredibly successful playing career at Juventus, having started at Parma.
Thomas Vermaelen Looks Like Jude Law
Belgium men's national soccer team assistant coach Thomas Vermaelen may wind down his days with a movie or two, and part of the collection may include one starring Jude Law. The British Academy Award winner broke out with "The Talented Mr. Ripley," going on to star in other critically acclaimed films.
We wonder, though, if Vermaelen, a former Ajax, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Vissel Kobe center-back, has ever noticed the evident similarities he has with the renowned performer. Both characters have achieved highly in their careers, and the Belgian would definitely be looking forward to better outings for his national team.
Brad Friedel Looks Like Bruce Willis
Veteran actor Bruce Willis retired from on-screen appearances in 2022, with his last starring role coming in the 2023 film "Assassin." The "Pulp Fiction" actor, who was also a singer, albeit subtly, entertained us for more than four decades with on-the-edge-of-your-seat hard-hitting roles in many blockbusters, including the "Die Hard" movie franchise.
If former American goalkeeper Brad Friedel had been much younger, he would have filled the void left by Willis. Why do we say so? The duo shares many physical similarities that would cause much trouble if they were to be spotted together. We wonder if the "Looper" actor would make a great goalie!
Luis Suarez Looks Like Anne Hathaway
Now, this is an odd comparison making the list! While all the characters we've examined are male on male, controversial Uruguayan and prolific Grêmio striker, Luis Suárez bears a likeness to multi-award-winning American actress Anne Hathaway. This proves that one's doppelgänger may not necessarily be of the same gender.
Having conquered European football by playing for Ajax, Liverpool, Atlético Madrid, and Barcelona, Suárez returned to South America to play in Brazil. His double, Hathaway, hasn't journeyed so much like him, driving her success in Hollywood from teenage appearances in "Ella Enchanted," "The Princess Diaries," "The Devil Wears Prada," and "Get Real."
Andrea Pirlo Looks Like Chuck Norris
Andrea Pirlo, a retired Italian midfielder, controlled the action in the center of the field with the tact of an orchestra conductor directing his musical cast. His football mastery was a skill enjoyed by Italy, AC Milan, and Juventus to great success, much like his double Chuck Norris has done for years on screen.
If Norris were to go missing, we would probably advise filmmakers to place a call to Fatih Karagümrük's manager to step in his place without many noticing the difference. From this image, nothing much separates the "Walker, Texas Ranger" icon from the 2006 World Cup winner with Italy.
Dimitar Berbatov Looks Like Andy García
Retired Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov and Cuban-born American actor-musician and director Andy García may both be on screen handling different roles. Still, they have a unique feature tying them together too. As seen in the image, a younger García is the spitting image of the former Bayer Leverkusen talisman goal scorer.
Although they've slightly deviated in looks with advancing years, the former Manchester United forward would have been a perfect double stunt for "The Untouchables" starlet had he called in sick and been unable to report to set. García starred in "Miranda's Victim" in 2023, while Berbatov runs his clothing line alongside football punditry.
Steven Gerrard Looks Like Robin Thicke
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard and American singer-songwriter and record producer Robin Thicke may be three years apart, but that hasn't prevented them from looking alike. The singing sensation released "Blurred Lines" to critical acclaim, becoming one of the greatest and best-selling singles ever produced. His "twin" brother, Gerrard, isn't left behind either on the success front.
The EUFA Champions League winner bagged many domestic trophies in his 17 seasons with Liverpool, and he's one of the rare breeds of players to stick with one team for a long time. He eventually left the LA Galaxy to manage Glasgow Rangers, followed by Aston Villa.
Adnan Januzaj Looks Like Macaulay Culkin
We doubt many players were in an advantageous position to play for more than three countries, like winger Adnan Januzaj, who had an option of Albania, Kosovo, Turkey, England, and Belgium. Although he chose the latter, the same cannot be said for his lookalike, Macaulay Culkin, who has only America to contend with.
It's difficult to tell the difference between the younger American actor and the former Manchester United fleet-footed winger in this image. Januzaj is loaned to a Turkish team, Istanbul Başakşehir, by Sevilla, while Culkin is still making waves in the acting industry, starring in films like "My Girl" and "Getting Even with Dad."
Michael Ballack Looks Like Matt Damon
Former German footballer Michael Ballack is considered one of the top goal-scorers in the history of the German national team. In 2012, the former Bayern Munich midfielder set a Premier League record for the fewest losses with over 100 appearances while playing for Chelsea.
It seems his complexion was made for success because his doppelgänger, actor-filmmaker Matt Donald, has also tasted his share of success in Hollywood. Many people would mistake the Academy Award winner for Ballack due to their facial structure and hair. However, the two primarily differ in physique since the retired footballer is much taller and more muscular than the actor.