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.
9. Gary McAllister
Former Leeds and Coventry star McAllister previously admitted in an interview his biggest regret was not signing for Rangers during his playing days. Served as assistant manager to Steven Gerrard during his Ibrox reign. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
10. Alan Smith
A lifelong Bluenose, the one-time Leeds, Manchester United and Newcastle attacker was linked with a move to Ibrox in 2011 but a move never materialised. | Getty Images
11. Ross Stewart
Nicknamed the ‘Loch Ness Dogba’, towering frontman Stewart is supposedly a big Gers fan and was strongly linked with a move back to Scotland after starring for Sunderland in the EFL Championship. Photo: Stu Forster
12. Zander Clark
Goalkeeper Clark is a boyhood Gers supporter along with his brother Ross. Once emerged as a signing target in December 2021 after starring for fellow Premiership side St Johnstone. | Getty Images