Matthew Thomas Clemence: Phil Collins’ Son and Professional Footballer

Matthew Thomas Clemence Collins doesn’t need a drum kit or a microphone to make a name for himself. While his father Phil Collins spent decades filling stadiums as one of rock’s biggest stars, Matthew has been quietly building a football career thousands of miles from the spotlight of the music industry. At just 21, he’s already a professional midfielder playing for Austria Salzburg in Austria’s second division — and he’s done it entirely on his own terms.

It’s not every day you meet someone who could’ve coasted on one of the most famous last names in music history but instead chose to grind it out on a football pitch in central Europe. That’s exactly what makes Matthew’s story worth telling.

Early Life

Matthew was born on December 1, 2004. His birthplace has been a subject of some debate — most sources point to London, England, though a few reports suggest he may have been born in Geneva, Switzerland, where his mother Orianne Cevey has deep roots. Regardless of where he first arrived, he grew up splitting time between England and Switzerland, exposed to two very different cultures from the start.

His childhood wasn’t exactly ordinary. His father Phil Collins was already a global superstar, having sold over 100 million records with Genesis and as a solo artist. His mother Orianne, originally from Switzerland, worked as a translator before becoming a jewellery designer. Matthew also has a younger brother, Nicholas, and three older half-siblings from his father’s earlier marriages — actress Lily Collins, musician Simon Collins, and Joely Collins.

Growing up around that level of fame could’ve pushed him toward entertainment. Instead, Matthew gravitated toward sports. He fell in love with football early on, and it stuck.

His Father Phil Collins

You can’t talk about Matthew without addressing the elephant in the room — his dad is Phil Collins. The man behind “In the Air Tonight,” “Against All Odds,” and dozens of other massive hits. Phil served as the drummer and lead vocalist for Genesis before launching a solo career that turned him into one of the best-selling artists of all time. He’s won eight Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice.

Phil’s personal life has been just as public as his music career. He married three times. His relationship with Orianne Cevey, Matthew’s mother, was particularly turbulent. They married in 1999, divorced in 2008 in what was then one of the largest celebrity divorce settlements in British history, then reconciled in 2016 before splitting again for good in 2020. Through all of it, Phil has remained close with his children.

Phil’s health has also been a public concern. Nerve damage in his hands forced him to stop playing drums, and he’s dealt with back problems and other ailments for years. Genesis played their final tour in 2022, with Phil performing seated. For Matthew, watching his father’s physical struggles may have reinforced the value of staying active and healthy — another reason football might’ve held such appeal.

Football Career and Austria Salzburg

Matthew didn’t just dabble in football as a hobby. He committed to it seriously, training through youth academies and working his way up through competitive levels. His dedication paid off when he earned a spot on the roster at Austria Salzburg, a club based in the city of Salzburg that competes in Austria’s 2. Liga (the second tier of Austrian football).

Playing as a midfielder, Matthew occupies one of the most demanding positions on the pitch. Midfielders are expected to link defence and attack, control possession, cover enormous amounts of ground, and make smart decisions under pressure. It’s not a position for someone looking to hide — it requires stamina, tactical intelligence, and technical skill.

Austria Salzburg itself carries a storied history. The club was originally founded in 1933, and while it shouldn’t be confused with Red Bull Salzburg (a separate entity), it has a passionate local fanbase and a proud tradition in Austrian football. For a young British player, moving to Austria to compete professionally represents a real commitment to the sport — far from the glamorous Premier League spotlight, but exactly the kind of environment where a young player can develop with consistent match time.

Matthew’s career is still in its early stages. At 21, he has years of growth ahead of him. Whether he stays in Austria or eventually moves to a higher league, the foundation he’s building now will shape everything that follows.

Choosing Football Over Music

This is where Matthew’s story gets genuinely interesting. When your father is Phil Collins, people expect you to pick up an instrument. His half-sister Lily became a Hollywood actress. His half-brother Simon fronted rock bands. The Collins family tree is practically a talent agency. So when Matthew chose football — a world completely removed from recording studios and red carpets — it raised eyebrows.

But it also says something important about him. He didn’t take the easy route. He could’ve leveraged the Collins name to get a foot in the door in music or acting. Instead, he picked a career where family connections mean nothing. On the football pitch, nobody cares who your dad is. You either perform or you don’t. That kind of meritocracy clearly appeals to Matthew, and his choice reflects a desire to be judged on his own ability rather than his surname.

There’s also something fitting about it. Phil Collins was famously competitive and driven — a perfectionist who practised relentlessly. Matthew seems to share that same work ethic, just channelled into a completely different arena.

Personal Life

Matthew keeps his personal life remarkably private, especially for someone with such a well-known family. He doesn’t maintain a high-profile social media presence, and he rarely shows up in tabloid coverage. That’s a deliberate choice, and it sets him apart from many celebrity children who lean into public attention.

What we do know is that he remains close with both his parents. Despite the messy divorce between Phil and Orianne, the family has stayed connected. Matthew also shares a bond with his brother Nicholas, who has similarly stayed out of the public eye.

Living in Austria as a young professional footballer, Matthew’s day-to-day life revolves around training, matches, recovery, and the disciplined routine that competitive sport demands. It’s a far cry from the rock-and-roll lifestyle his father lived in the 1980s, and that contrast seems to suit Matthew just fine.

Net Worth

Matthew’s personal net worth hasn’t been publicly disclosed, and at 21 years old playing in Austria’s second division, he’s still early in his earning potential as a footballer. Players in the 2. Liga earn modest salaries compared to top-flight leagues.

That said, his family’s wealth is substantial. Phil Collins has an estimated net worth of around $300 million, built over decades of record sales, touring, and royalties. Orianne Cevey received a reported $46 million in their 2008 divorce settlement. While Matthew is clearly focused on earning his own way through football, he comes from a family with significant financial resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Matthew Thomas Clemence?

Matthew Thomas Clemence Collins is a professional footballer and the son of legendary musician Phil Collins and his third wife, Orianne Cevey. He currently plays as a midfielder for Austria Salzburg in Austria’s 2. Liga.

How old is Matthew Thomas Clemence?

Matthew was born on December 1, 2004, making him 21 years old.

Is Matthew Thomas Clemence related to Lily Collins?

Yes. Lily Collins is Matthew’s half-sister. They share the same father, Phil Collins. Lily’s mother is Phil’s second wife, Jill Tavelman.

Why didn’t Matthew pursue a music career like his father?

Matthew developed a passion for football from a young age and chose to pursue it professionally. He’s shown a clear preference for building his own identity through sport rather than following in his father’s musical footsteps.

What team does Matthew Thomas Clemence play for?

Matthew plays for Austria Salzburg, a professional football club competing in Austria’s 2. Liga (second division).

Related Celebrities

• Phil Collins — Father, legendary musician and Genesis frontman
• Orianne Cevey — Mother, Swiss translator and jewellery designer
• Lily Collins — Half-sister, actress known for Emily in Paris
• Simon Collins — Half-brother, musician and former lead singer of Sound of Contact
• Joely Collins — Half-sister, Canadian actress
• Nicholas Collins — Brother, drummer who performed with Genesis on their final tour