Former Spanish national team goalkeeper Sergio Rico and his family were the victims of a violent robbery at their home near Seville. On Monday evening, at around 10 p.m., five masked and armed men broke into the residence while the footballer was at home with his wife, Alba Silva, their two children, and other relatives. The perpetrators made off with valuables. The family has filed a police report.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
The robbery took place in the La Juliana residential complex in Bollullos de la Mitación, west of Seville. The men reportedly entered the house wearing gloves and with their faces concealed, carrying handguns.
Perpetrators break into the house
At the time of the break-in, the family was sitting down to dinner. The alarm system was apparently not switched on, as the residents were inside the house. According to information available so far, the perpetrators gained entry to the building through the main entrance door.
When the family noticed the intruders, Sergio Rico and his relatives attempted to reach safety in a room. The attackers, however, allegedly forced the door open and cornered the family inside, resorting to violence and intimidation.
The perpetrators searched the house and took items including watches, jewelry, and other valuables. Cash is also mentioned as potential loot. It is not yet known exactly how long the men remained inside the building.
Family shaken following the attack
In addition to Sergio Rico and his wife Alba Silva, the couple’s two young children, other relatives, and a domestic worker were in the house. The presence of the children made the robbery particularly distressing for the family.
Alba Silva was reportedly left deeply shaken following the attack. She stated that she could not provide any further details about the events at this time. Given the ongoing investigation, the family does not wish to comment further on the incident for the moment.
Sergio Rico confirmed the attack but dismissed reports that he had been brutally beaten. Details regarding any injuries sustained by those involved have not yet been fully clarified.
Suspicion of a planned robbery
According to sources close to the couple, there is a suspicion that this may have been a planned attack. The perpetrators appear to have acted in a targeted and coordinated manner. However, there is no official confirmation of this theory as of yet.
There is also no confirmed information regarding the men’s identities. It appears, however, that they spoke a language other than Spanish. Yet, no reliable conclusion about their nationality can be drawn from this.
The family has filed a report with the Guardia Civil. Investigators must now determine how the perpetrators gained access to the house, which items were stolen, and who is responsible for the attack. No information regarding arrests or specific investigative findings has been released so far.
Further burglaries targeting footballers in the Seville area
This incident is part of a series of burglaries that have recently targeted footballers in the Seville area. Just last week, the home of Brazilian Real Betis player Antony was targeted by burglars while he was away playing in the Champions League with his team.
It is currently unclear whether there is a connection between the two cases. Investigations into the attack on Sergio Rico and his family are ongoing.
Sergio Rico returns to football following serious accident
Sergio Rico was born in Seville in 1993 and has played for clubs including Sevilla FC and Paris Saint-Germain. In May 2023, the goalkeeper sustained a severe traumatic brain injury in an accident during the El Rocío pilgrimage in the province of Huelva. Following a long hospital stay and an extensive rehabilitation process, he returned to the football pitch in 2024.
The attack thus strikes the footballer and his family during a phase of life that was already marked by significant personal strain.
