Gallagher Brothers: From Chertsey to Atletico Madrid

From Chertsey to Madrid – Gallagher Brothers on Family & Football

In the footballing world, Conor and Josh Gallagher may appear to live vastly different lives—but their deep family bond and shared love for the game unite them.

• Conor Gallagher, 25, stars for Atletico Madrid, has 22 England caps, and featured at Euro 2024.

• Josh Gallagher, 32, manages Chertsey Town in the seventh tier of English football.

But their connection goes far beyond footballing levels.

“Conor is living the dream but always asks about Chertsey,” says Josh.

“He’ll see the result and ask: ‘What happened there?’”

A Tale of Two Journeys

Conor celebrates scoring Atletico Madrid’s winner against Real Madrid in La Liga on 12 March

While Conor prepares for a Champions League night at Anfield against Liverpool, Josh is preparing Chertsey Town for an FA Cup qualifying match against Cray Valley Paper Mills.

• Prize money of £3,375 is on the line for Chertsey

• Two more wins could take them to the first round proper of the FA Cup — a historic milestone for the 135-year-old club

Football Is a Family Affair

The Gallagher story is a footballing dynasty:

• Jake Gallagher (Josh’s twin) played over 200 National League games

• Dan Gallagher, 28, plays for Dorking Wanderers

• All three older brothers shaped Conor’s career path, which began at Bookham Colts and saw stints at:

  • Leatherhead Predators

  • Epsom Eagles

  • Chelsea (academy & senior team)

  • Loans at Charlton, Swansea, West Brom, Crystal Palace

  • Now a key figure at Atletico Madrid

“They’ve always told me to work hard and not get too big for my boots,” Conor once said.

From Non-League to La Liga

Conor (left) with his older brothers Josh (second left), Jake and Dan (right)

Josh often travels to Spain to watch Conor play at the Wanda Metropolitano, while Conor has supported his brothers’ clubs from the sidelines—even attending an eighth-tier Raynes Park Vale match in April 2024, months before his £33m move from Chelsea to Atletico.

“It’s nice for him to see football from the other side,” says Josh.

“I think it helps him.”

Despite his elite football upbringing at Chelsea, Conor’s path wasn’t easy:

• Multiple loans before getting a chance

• Minor heart surgery in 2018 for an irregular heartbeat

• Grit and resilience forged through family support

Brotherhood Beyond Football

Whether it’s loan spells, grassroots pitches, or Champions League nights, the Gallagher brothers’ story is a powerful reminder that family and humility can drive greatness.

“I’m extremely proud of Conor,” Josh adds,

“But I’m just as proud of all my brothers and our family.”