FIFA World Cup 2026: From Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to Neymar and Mohamed Salah, meet the bodyguards protecting football's biggest stars

FIFA World Cup 2026: From Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to Neymar and Mohamed Salah, meet the bodyguards protecting football's biggest stars

With millions of fans expected to attend matches and follow their favourite players during the FIFA World Cup 2026, security has become a top priority for football's biggest superstars. Behind every public appearance of icons like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Mohamed Salah is a team of highly trained security professionals tasked with ensuring their safety.

These bodyguards are more than just imposing figures. Many come from military, law enforcement or elite security backgrounds and are responsible for everything from crowd management to travel logistics and emergency response.

Lionel Messi

Arguably the biggest attraction in world football, Lionel Messi travels with dedicated security personnel during club and international assignments. His bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, a former US Army serviceman and MMA enthusiast, has gained widespread attention for frequently being seen protecting the Argentine legend at Inter Miami matches and public events.

Cheuko has become a social media sensation in his own right, often stepping in to stop pitch invaders attempting to approach Messi during games.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo's global popularity means he is surrounded by tight security wherever he goes. The Portuguese captain employs professional bodyguards with backgrounds in military and executive protection, ensuring his safety during matches, commercial events and private travel.

Given Ronaldo's enormous fan following across Europe, Asia and the Middle East, his security team is trained to handle large crowds and high-profile appearances.

Neymar

Brazilian forward Neymar is another footballer who rarely appears in public without close protection officers. His security personnel accompany him during club duties, national team assignments and endorsement events, helping manage fan interactions while maintaining strict security protocols.

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool and Egypt star Mohamed Salah enjoys immense popularity across Africa and the Middle East. His security arrangements are particularly robust during international fixtures, where massive crowds gather to catch a glimpse of the Egyptian captain.

His bodyguards coordinate closely with event organisers and local authorities to ensure smooth movement before and after matches.

Why football stars need personal security

Modern footballers have become global celebrities whose influence extends far beyond the pitch. Their enormous social media presence, commercial endorsements and worldwide fan base make them vulnerable to security risks ranging from overenthusiastic supporters to privacy concerns.

Professional security teams help manage these risks by planning safe travel routes, screening venues, controlling crowd access and responding quickly to emergencies.

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 unfolds, fans will continue to focus on spectacular goals and memorable performances. Working quietly behind the scenes, however, these highly trained bodyguards will play a crucial role in ensuring that football's biggest stars can perform safely on the world's grandest sporting stage.