Conor Gallagher

Conor Gallagher is more than a footballer.

A leader, trendsetter, and rising star on the global stage, the 24-year-old has built a reputation extending far beyond the pitch. From captaining Chelsea to embracing a bold new challenge in Madrid, his journey is defined by ambition, adaptability, and an insatiable appetite for success. 

Now, as he joins Sports World’s Decade of Excellence, Conor continues to shape the future—both in football and in the world of fashion, where his influence is only just beginning.

Effortless style and understated sophistication have made him a figure of intrigue in the luxury space and the perfect cover star this spring.

As Sports World celebrates its 10th anniversary, we are spotlighting the future icons of sports and entertainment and pairing them with the world’s most remarkable brands, businesses, and organisations.

Few embody this vision quite like Conor. His refined, minimalist aesthetic is a rare quality in sport, making him a natural choice for our cover. But this collaboration is more than a front-cover photoshoot—it’s a moment of personal significance.

For years, Sports World has followed Conor and his partner, Aine, supporting their journey beyond football. In many ways, this feels like a full-circle moment—not just for him, but for us, too.

More significantly, it arrives at a pivotal time in Conor’s career. His move to Atlético Madrid has captured the attention of millions worldwide, as any transfer to a club of such stature would.

Naturally, the weight of expectation is a heavy burden, yet rather than buckle under the pressure, Conor has thrived—embracing the challenge with the same composure that defines his playing style.

Adjusting to life in Madrid could have been overwhelming, but Conor, Aine, and their Chow Chow, Freddy, have settled in without hesitation.

“My partner, our dog, and I have moved to Madrid, and we love it,” says Conor. “It’s a beautiful city, and I play for an amazing football club. I feel very lucky and grateful.

“Moving to Madrid has been a big adjustment, but I’m really enjoying it. I’m trying to learn Spanish, and hopefully, in time, I’ll get there. Around the training ground, it’s been easy—there are a lot of people who help, and many speak great English. The weather is incredible most of the time, so it’s a great way of life.”

Conor would be the first to admit that a move to Atlético Madrid was never part of his plan. And yet, here we are—sitting in Audemars Piguet House, in the heart of the Spanish capital.

Like Conor, Audemars Piguet has mastered the art of refinement. The Swiss watchmaker stands at the pinnacle of its craft, its legacy built on precision, excellence, and a touch of mystique—qualities that also define its Madrid boutique.

Stepping into AP House is an experience in itself. The grandeur rivals that of the world’s finest hotels, yet there’s an inviting intimacy, as though you’ve entered the most exquisite coffee house or hidden gem of a restaurant.

But beyond the ambience, it is, of course, the timepieces that draw attention. From sports models to intricate complications, the selection is nothing short of extraordinary—a sentiment shared by Conor, who was captivated from the moment he arrived.

It’s a first impression any organisation would be proud of, much like the feeling you get when a club of Atlético Madrid’s stature wants to sign you.

“As soon as I heard about Atlético’s interest, I was excited,” says Conor. “Growing up, I never imagined leaving England or the Premier League, but opportunities like this don’t come around every day. It was a massive chance, and I’m so grateful the club wanted to bring me in.

I’m really happy with the move and hope to create many special memories here.”

Before his move to Madrid, Conor had become a key figure at Chelsea. Since breaking onto the scene in 2022, he had worked his way into the first team, eventually earning the captain’s armband—an achievement reserved for a select few in the modern Premier League era.

While at Stamford Bridge, he amassed a collection of achievements—lifting silverware, earning individual accolades, and, perhaps most meaningfully, winning the adulation of a fan base he had once been a part of himself.

For Conor, leaving Chelsea had never been part of the plan. The club had shaped him, not just as a footballer but as a person, playing an integral role in his formative years. In many respects, it was home.

Today Chelsea is a chapter in his past rather than his future, but his connection to the club remains strong. For Conor, representing the fans was more than just an honour; it was one of the defining moments of his life.

“Chelsea will always be a special club to me,” he says. “I grew up just ten minutes from the training ground and was a Chelsea supporter as a kid. Playing for the first team and captaining the club was a dream come true.

“I feel so lucky to have had that experience, and the memories I made there will stay with me forever. The fans’ support, especially in my final season, meant a lot to me, and I wish the club all the best for the future.”

In times of transition, few things matter more than the people around you. Conor is fortunate to be surrounded by an incredible support system—family and friends who, no doubt, are making the most of his new life in Madrid. A life defined by sunshine, world-class restaurants, and a lifestyle that complements the demands of a professional athlete.

But amid all the changes, one person has been by his side through every step of his journey—his partner, Aine. From the earliest stages of his career to the present day, she has played a pivotal role in his success, not just as a footballer but as a growing brand in his own right. Conor himself admits he would be lost without her support.

“I feel really lucky to have an amazing support system,”

he says. “My partner has been incredible in helping us settle, and our families can visit easily from London. It’s been a big change, but an amazing experience. We’re really happy here.

“The most important thing is making sure I perform at my best. My partner understands that and always ensures I’m in the right mindset, both mentally and physically. Away from football, we’re very happy—we have our little dog, Freddy, and we just feel so lucky to be in Madrid and playing for such a great club.”

Aine isn’t the only one bringing balance to Conor’s life away from football. In a profession that demands absolute focus, it’s often the simplest comforts that make the biggest difference.

Enter Freddy—the couple’s beloved Chow Chow and an essential part of their new adventure.

For Conor and Aine, the move to Madrid has brought a welcome change of pace and environment—not just for them, but for Freddy too.

One of the luxuries of leaving a city like London is a new-found abundance of space. Where life was once confined to an apartment, Conor and his family now enjoy the freedom of a villa—complete with a garden that has quickly become Freddy’s favourite retreat.

“When we first arrived, it was 40 degrees—unbelievably hot! We didn’t bring Freddy over straight away because it would have been too much for him,” says Conor. “He’s got a lot of fur, so we waited until it cooled down. Now he loves it—especially having a garden to run around in. He’s enjoying life just as much as we are.”

However, it’s not just Aine, Freddy, and his family who have helped Conor settle into his new life. Atlético Madrid itself has played a crucial role in making the transition feel effortless.

Unity defines this club—it’s more than just words; it’s a mindset embedded in both the players and the fans. For a player like Conor, who thrives on connection and commitment, this culture has been a natural fit. And in football, feeling at home off the pitch is often the key to performing at your best on it.

“The fans and the club have been unbelievable in making me feel welcome,” he says. “It’s helped me settle in and play my best football. I’ve always said I’ll give 100% every time I step on the pitch, and I just want to contribute to the team’s success and make the fans proud.

“Joining a new team is always a bit nerve-wracking, but I felt comfortable from the first day.

I already knew a few players, like [César] Azpilicueta from Chelsea, and everyone was so welcoming. I feel very lucky to have such great teammates.”

With everything falling into place, Conor looks well-positioned to make his mark in the Spanish capital. Life has a way of rewarding those who approach every day with the same intensity and dedication they bring to the biggest moments.

But beyond his ambition, what stands out most is the sense of camaraderie he has already built with his new teammates. In recent years, Atlético has been a proving ground for English footballers, many of whom have thrived under its unique demands.

Perhaps none more so than Kieran Trippier, whose time in Madrid was defined by success. Before making the move, Conor sought insight from the former Atlético full-back.

“When I spoke to Kieran Trippier before I signed, he told me that living in Madrid felt like being on a great holiday for two and a half years,” he says. “In some ways, it does feel like that—especially with the weather—but it also feels like home, which is amazing. Coming home to a villa with a pool after training—it doesn’t get much better than that! We feel very lucky.”

In many ways, life couldn’t be better for Conor. He’s traded a London apartment for a villa, grey skies for endless sunshine, and the relentless pace of England’s capital for the laid-back charm of Spanish culture.

Madrid has everything a 25-year-old professional footballer could ask for—a world-class culinary scene, some of the finest shopping anywhere in the world, and, of course, the kind of weather that makes it one of Europe’s most enviable destinations.

It’s a lifestyle that hasn’t been lost on Conor, who has embraced Spanish culture with open arms.

Yet, for all the joy he’s found off the pitch, his ambition on it remains as fierce as ever. It’s the pursuit of success—the drive to achieve—that fuels him every day.

“My goals for the next few years are simple: play as much football as possible, help the team win games, hopefully score some goals, and, most importantly, win trophies,” he says. “That’s the plan, and we’ll see what happens.”