Many professional footballers, particularly those with family connections to Glasgow and the west of Scotland, have grown up supporting Rangers. The Ibrox club’s sporting influence extends beyond those who actually played for the club, meaning prominent players have identified as Rangers supporters even when their careers took them elsewhere.
From boyhood allegiance to memorable games or admiration of players, there are a variety of ways players have become part of the Rangers fan base. “I love Rangers Football Club. I grew up loving Rangers Football Club,” former Chelsea player Frank Lampard said after being linked to the Ibrox manager’s job.
Have a look at other famous players with a connection to Rangers.
1. Billy Gilmour
Brighton and Scotland star Gilmour started his career within the Gers youth academy but never got his chance to make a first-team breakthrough... a decision the club must surely regret. It’s well known the Ayrshire kid’s mum in partiuclar in a huge Rangers fan. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
2. James Morrison
Ex-Scotland international Morrison once expressed his desire to join his boyhood heroes after idolising Paul Gascoigne and Brian Laudrup during his teenage years. Unfortunately, the midfielder never got the chance to emulate those club legends. | Getty Images
3. Frank Lampard
The Chelsea icon once described the Gers fanbase as “awesome” and admitted he has “great fondness” for the Govan outfit after attending a match. Photo: Warren Little/Getty Images
4. Alan Hansen
The Liverpool legend grew up supporting Rangers. The former defender was offered the chance to sign for Hibs at the age of 17 but he refused because it would have stopped him from playing golf competitively. | AFP via Getty Images