In a surprising twist that might not sit well with traditionalists like Roy Keane, rivals Kevin De Bruyne and Virgil van Dijk have formed a close friendship off the pitch. Despite their club loyalties—De Bruyne representing Manchester City and Van Dijk playing for Liverpool—the two have been known to set aside their on-field hostilities to enjoy family holidays together in Ibiza.

Fraternising with the enemy? Off the pitch, De Bruyne and Van Dijk often put club hostilities aside for family holidays in Ibiza

So, why do footballers often vacation with one another? Unlike most professions, where colleagues might not socialize outside of work, footballers at such high levels of fame and wealth find solace and understanding among their peers. They can share experiences and frustrations without worrying about judgment or media leaks, whether it’s discussing contract negotiations, training routines, or even the challenges of affording the high prices in exclusive holiday hotspots.

It’s not surprising that players bond more than those in other fields, but it certainly seems counterintuitive for friendships to develop across club rivalries. Enter De Bruyne and Van Dijk, who have been spotted holidaying together for three consecutive years, much to the chagrin of fans like Keane.

Their friendship has even included outings with other players, such as Marcus Rashford, adding to the intrigue. For those steeped in football’s traditional rivalries, this camaraderie might feel like a betrayal of sorts, particularly in the eyes of former players who thrived on such rivalries.