Gustavo Martin Emilio Hamer is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Sheffield United. Born in Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brazil, Hamer was adopted by a Dutch family when he was two years old and grew up in the Netherlands, where he developed through Feyenoord’s academy. After successful spells with PEC Zwolle, Coventry City, and Sheffield United, he has become one of the Championship’s standout midfielders. Off the pitch, many supporters are interested in Gustavo Hamer’s family, including his girlfriend, children, parents, and siblings. His personal story, marked by adoption and multicultural roots, has made his family background particularly compelling.
Gustavo Hamer’s wife
Sheffield United midfielder Gustavo Hamer is married to Esmeralda Singerling.
The couple has a long-standing relationship that began when the footballer was still playing in the Netherlands. Together, they have a son named Thiago Hamer—a name chosen by the player as a tribute to the renowned Brazilian center-back Thiago Silva. Additionally, they have announced that the birth of their second child is expected in December 2026.
Gustavo Hamer’s Children
Sheffield United midfielder Gustavo Hamer has a son named Thiago Hamer and a second baby on the way.
- Thiago Hamer: His firstborn was born in January 2020. The name was chosen by the player as a direct tribute to the renowned Brazilian center-back Thiago Silva, whom Hamer greatly admires. The boy often joins his father for on-pitch celebrations and appears in family moments shared on social media.
- Second Child: In June 2026, Gustavo Hamer and his wife, Esmeralda, officially announced that they are expecting another baby, with the birth scheduled for December 2026.
Gustavo Hamer’s Parents
Gustavo Hamer’s parents are Klaas and Joke Hamer, the Dutch couple who raised him from childhood. His life story is divided between his adoptive family and his biological parents in Brazil.
Adoptive Parents (Netherlands)
Klaas and Joke Hamer: When Gustavo was just a few months old and his biological brother, Guilherme, was nearly a year old, the couple traveled from the Netherlands to Brazil to adopt them legally.
They took the two babies to the city of Alphen aan den Rijn, where they provided a stable childhood and offered unconditional support during his time at the Feyenoord academy. Gustavo considers them his true and only parents, emphasizing in interviews that they were the ones who gave him “a roof over his head, an education, love, and a future in football.”
Biological Parents (Brazil)
His biological parents were natives of the Itajaí and Navegantes region in the state of Santa Catarina.
Due to extreme poverty and social vulnerability, the couple was unable to provide the means to raise their large family. Consequently, the Brazilian state intervened and placed seven of their ten biological children up for legal adoption (including Gustavo and Guilherme, who eventually moved to Europe). The player maintains no connection or contact with his biological parents.
Gustavo Hamer’s Siblings
Gustavo Hamer was one of ten children in a large biological family, but his life story and adoption split the siblings’ paths between Brazil and the Netherlands.
The Adoptive Sibling (Netherlands)
Guilherme Hamer is Gustavo’s closest biological brother. Only a year older, Guilherme was adopted alongside Gustavo—when both were very young children—by a Dutch couple (Klaas and Joke Hamer). The two grew up together in Europe, and years later, Guilherme was instrumental in researching and re-establishing contact with the rest of the biological family in Brazil.
The Biological Siblings (Brazil)
Gustavo’s biological parents, originally from the Navegantes/Itajaí region (Santa Catarina), had a total of ten children.
- Seven siblings were adopted: Including Gustavo, Guilherme, and another brother named Elizeu Inácio (who lives in Brazil and helped publicly reveal the details of the family’s story).
- Tragic loss: Two of the older biological siblings died prematurely in violent incidents on the streets of Brazil.
- Unknown: One of the ten siblings has not yet been formally identified or located by the rest of the family.
How Family Has Influenced Gustavo Hamer’s Career
Family has shaped Gustavo Hamer’s life in remarkable ways.
After being adopted and moving to the Netherlands, Hamer embraced Dutch culture while maintaining a strong emotional connection to Brazil. He has often spoken about feeling both Brazilian and Dutch, explaining that his Brazilian roots influence the way he plays football, while his Dutch upbringing taught him discipline and professionalism.
Fatherhood has also become an important part of his life. Hamer has explained that he wants his son, Thiago, to understand his Brazilian heritage and appreciate the journey that brought their family from Brazil to Europe. His experiences have made him determined to provide his son with opportunities similar to those he received after his adoption.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Gustavo Hamer have a girlfriend?
Gustavo Hamer has not publicly identified his partner. However, it is publicly known that he is in a long-term relationship and is the father of one son.
Does Gustavo Hamer have children?
Yes. Sheffield United midfielder Gustavo Hamer has a son named Thiago Hamer and a second baby on the way.
Who are Gustavo Hamer’s parents?
Gustavo Hamer’s parents are Klaas and Joke Hamer, the Dutch couple who raised him from childhood.
Does Gustavo Hamer have siblings?
Yes. Gustavo Hamer was one of ten children in a large biological family, but his life story and adoption split the siblings’ paths between Brazil and the Netherlands.
Why does Gustavo Hamer represent the Netherlands?
Although born in Brazil, Gustavo Hamer was adopted and raised in the Netherlands from the age of two. He represented the Netherlands at youth international level while continuing to express pride in his Brazilian heritage.
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
