Siblings in sport: Marc and Alex Marquez make history and join the elite

Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) have enjoyed a simply remarkable season, with Marc wrapping up the title in Japan and Alex securing runner-up spot in Malaysia. The comeback was complete, with the Marquez brothers finishing first and second in the World Championship for the first time in history. It’s an extraordinary achievement, which has been highlighted around the globe as the Marquez brothers join an illustrious list of siblings in sport.

MotoGP is no stranger to sibling rivalries, with Aleix and Pol Espargaro recently sharing the circuit together. The Espargaro brothers have both claimed rostrum finishes in the premier class, with a total of 19 MotoGP podiums and three victories. Not to forget, Alex and Sam Lowes, who remain no strangers to the Grand Prix paddock after they made their mark in motorcycle racing. Currently, both the Lowes twins race in WorldSBK, now competing as regular front-runners.

Then there is Valentino Rossi and his half-brother Luca Marini, who hold an impressive record. Now retired from motorcycle racing, Rossi retired from the sport with seven MotoGP World Championships and 89 victories in the premier class, earning his place in the MotoGP Hall of Fame. Meanwhile, Luca Marini is continuing to add to his achievements, now racing with Honda HRC Castrol.

The family trend continues over in four wheels, where Michael and Ralf Schumacher left their legacy in Formula 1, both achieving victory in the top flight. Of course, Michael went on to claim seven titles and 91 victories in Formula 1 and remains one of the sport’s most recognisable names.

Family success doesn't stop there; in Tennis, Serena and Venus Williams' names are iconic to any fan, with the sisters sitting in the history books as two of the most successful women’s players on record. Collectively, the pair have won an astonishing 30 Grand Slam singles titles, with multiple Olympic Gold medals to their names.

In the NBA, family success runs deep. The likes of LeBron and Bronny (father and son) and Steph and Seth Curry (brothers) have all enjoyed success on the court. However, perhaps the most recognisable duo are the Gasol brothers, Marc and Pau, who arrived in the NBA from Spain and became legends. Much like the Marquezs, the Gasols were raised just outside of Barcelona, going on to achieve three NBA Championships between them, multiple All-Star awards, Olympic success and multiple individual accolades each.

In the NFL, the iconic Manning brothers stand out as legends of the game. Eli and Peyton each won two Super Bowls during their illustrious careers, along with numerous individual accolades before retiring. Another standout sibling duo are the Kelce brothers. Jason has become a Philadelphia Eagles icon, earning his Super Bowl ring in 2017, while his younger brother Travis has been a central figure in the Kansas City Chiefs’ dominant run, capturing three titles between 2019 and 2023. In recent years, Travis has also gained widespread attention beyond the field for his high-profile off-field life.

The Marquez brothers are continuing to break and create records, showing no sign of slowing down as they elevate themselves ahead of sporting greats. Where do they rank for you among sport's greatest siblings?

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