Barry, Fernandes and Gibbs-White among three Premier League stars burgled during matches

Three Premier League players have had their homes targeted by burglars while they were on the pitch, with Everton striker Thierno Barry the latest victim after his Greater Manchester property was raided last week during his side’s match against Newcastle United.

Barry, 24, said he was relieved that his partner Charlene and their toddler were watching him play rather than at home during the break-in. “Things could have been much worse,” the French forward said, adding that he had perhaps been too open about his family life on social media. “Maybe I’ve been too open about my family’s life and mine, potentially putting them at risk. It was all just to show my lifestyle and inspire others through my journey and success.”

His partner Charlene appealed for information, saying the family was willing to offer a financial reward for anything that helps identify those responsible.

Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White was also targeted in recent weeks. His partner Britney De Villiers described the experience as “incredibly unsettling” and urged fellow players and their families to ensure security systems were active at all times. “It’s a horrible feeling knowing someone has violated your home, especially when you have young children,” she said.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes had his home ransacked by masked robbers during United’s 4-1 defeat to Como last month. Cheshire Police confirmed they were called at around 8.30pm on Wednesday 21 October to reports of suspicious activity at an address in the Alderley Park area of Nether Alderley.

The cluster of incidents has prompted a broader warning to Premier League players to review their home security arrangements, particularly on matchdays when their public schedules make it straightforward for criminals to establish that properties will be unoccupied.

Barry reflected on the wider lesson: “Unfortunately, in life, there are people and things beyond our control. The most important thing in life is to look after and protect the people you love. Everything else is just materialistic.”