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Premier League stars 'hire ex-MMA fighters' to protect homes after burglary spree

A number of Premier League stars have been the victims of burglaries in recent years, and players are turning to former MMA fighters to bolster their home security

[LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 05: Jack Grealish of Everton during the Premier League match between Everton and Crystal Palace at Hill Dickinson Stadium on October 05, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts - Danehouse/Getty Images)]

Jack Grealish had his home burgled in 2023(Image: Ben Roberts - Danehouse, Getty Images)

Premier League footballers are turning to former MMA fighters to bolster their home security in response to a worrying increase in burglaries.

High-profile players such as Jack Grealish and Raheem Sterling have been victims of break-ins at their Cheshire residences. In an attempt to deter would-be thieves, players are significantly enhancing their security measures, including hiring ex-fighters for protection.

A security consultant told The Mail: "I can tell you that one massive club with several players in the Cheshire area has boosted security. They have now drafted in a couple of former MMA fighters to bodyguard the players and their families.

"One of the lads does the close protection work while the other is a house sitter. That means he stays in the house when the player is away with the club.

"The gangs tend to pull the big jobs when the players are away in Europe. Both the former MMA fighters are very confident when it comes to physical confrontations and would not back off if something happened.

[LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: Raheem Sterling of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Crystal Palace FC at Emirates Stadium on April 23, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)]

Raheem Sterling's home was also targeted by thieves during his time at Manchester City(Image: Ryan Pierse, Getty Images)

"They look after the players and their families when they are out on the street when things can happen. If a young player wants to go to nightclub they will take them and make sure nothing happens. These lads have fought at the highest levels and are highly capable."

He continued: "So the gangs from Manchester and Liverpool view Prestbury and Knutsford as a kind of Disney Land with endless opportunities. They are not scared of the security guards in the fake police cars who are a source of amusement for them.

"They just want to get in, pull a score and get off. I think there must be a huge buzz factor because the values plummet once an item is stolen.

"And then the fence [middle man] wants a cut and by the time everyone is paid off you are down to a few grand each."

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After his home was burgled in 2023, Grealish took to social media to express his devastation and call for justice. He penned: "I can't begin to explain how devastated I am over the burglary that took place at my home a few days ago.

"My family mean the world to me and nothing is more important than ensuring their safety. This has been a traumatic experience for all of us, I am just so grateful that nobody was hurt.

"I have had so many amazing experiences and achievements over the last 12 months, but to be honest the best year of my life in football now doesn't feel like something I can celebrate.

"The people that commit these terrible crimes have no idea of the damage they cause to peoples lives. I hope they are found and brought to justice so no other family has to go through what we have."

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