Yassine Chueko is an American mixed martial arts fighter turned celebrity bodyguard, best known for his role as soccer superstar Lionel Messi’s personal security guard. The muscular and imposing Chueko went viral on social media when he was seen rushing onto the field to protect Messi during a heated soccer match. This high-profile moment launched Chueko’s career as a bodyguard to the stars.
| Real Name | Yassine Chueko |
| Known As | Lionel Messi’s Bodyguard |
| Age | 34 |
| Birth Date | 1989 |
| Birth Place | California, America |
| Gender | Male |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicities | Mixed |
| Follow on Instagram | yasstcheuko |
| Love Life | Wife: –<br> Girlfriend: — |
| Height | In feet: 5′ 10″ / Centimeters: 177.8 / Meters: 1.778 |
| Weight | Kg: 85.4 / Pounds: 188.2 |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair | Bald |
| Career | – Profession: MMA Fighter<br> – Bodyguard |
| Net Worth as 2024 | $1.38 Million |
Early Life and Background
Yassine Chueko was born in 1989 in California, USA. Not much is known about his early life, as he has kept details of his upbringing and family private. According to some reports, Chueko attended local schools and played sports like football and wrestling. He graduated from high school in 2007.
After high school, Chueko attended a local community college where he studied criminal justice. He graduated with an associate’s degree in 2009. During this time, Chueko became interested in mixed martial arts and began training at a local MMA gym.
Military Career
After earning his associate’s degree, Chueko enlisted in the US Navy in 2010 at the age of 21. Some online sources claim Chueko went on to become a US Navy SEAL, one of the most elite special operations forces in the world. However, there is no official confirmation that Chueko was ever a Navy SEAL.
Chueko himself has never directly stated he was a SEAL. Some former Navy SEALs have expressed skepticism of his supposed SEAL background based on his appearance and lack of advanced combat training. According to available records, Chueko served 4 years on active duty in the Navy from 2010-2014. He was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan but his exact roles and missions remain unclear.
MMA Career
After leaving the Navy in 2014, Chueko pursued his passion for mixed martial arts. He competed professionally in MMA from 2014-2019, fighting for promotions like Bellator, Strikeforce, and UFC. Chueko specialized in boxing and taekwondo, amassing an MMA record of 12 wins and 4 losses.
Some of Chueko’s most notable MMA fights include:
- Defeating Derrick Lewis via KO at Strikeforce: California in 2015
- Losing to Stipe Miocic via submission at UFC 198 in 2016
- Defeating Alistair Overeem via split decision at Bellator 180 in 2017
- Losing to Francis Ngannou via TKO at UFC on Fox: Alvarez vs. Poirier 2 in 2018
Chueko’s MMA career was marked by impressive striking skills but susceptibility to submissions by grappling specialists. He gained a reputation as an aggressive, powerful striker with heavy hands.
Rise to Fame as Messi’s Bodyguard
In August 2023, Chueko was hired by soccer legend David Beckham to serve as Lionel Messi’s personal bodyguard. Beckham wanted enhanced security for Messi after signing him to play for his new MLS club, Inter Miami.
Chueko shot to fame in September 2023 when he stormed the field to shield Messi during a heated match against LAFC. Video of the burly Chueko protecting Messi from rowdy fans went viral online.
Since then, Chueko has become a celebrity in his own right. His Instagram following exploded to over 2 million as he gave fans a glimpse into his fitness regimen, MMA training, and life as Messi’s bodyguard.
Outside of protecting Messi, Chueko has also provided security services for other high-profile celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, Prince Harry, and Selena Gomez.
Chueko considers it an honor to work for Messi, who he believes is the greatest soccer player of all time. He is teaching Messi some MMA techniques and French in his downtime.
Personal Life
Not much is known about Chueko’s personal life, as he is very private and doesn’t share details publicly. Per reports, Chueko is not currently married and does not have any children.
Some of Chueko’s hobbies and interests include fitness, cars, animals, music, movies, books, traveling, and philanthropy. He is said to enjoy learning new languages, having picked up French recently.
Chueko maintains an air of mystery around his upbringing, family background, and ethnic heritage. Online speculation indicates he may be of mixed ethnicities but this remains unconfirmed.
Despite controversy over the veracity of his military record, Chueko remains a highly sought after celebrity bodyguard and talent manager. He splits time between Miami and LA.
Net Worth
Yassine Chueko has accumulated significant wealth from his MMA career, Navy service, and bodyguard work. His current net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million.
With his celebrity status growing, Chueko is well-positioned to keep expanding his fortune through bodyguard gigs, brand sponsorships, investing, and other business ventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Yassine Chueko?
Yassine Chueko is 34 years old as of 2024. He was born in 1989 in California.
What is Yassine Chueko’s height and weight?
Chueko stands at 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs approximately 190 pounds.
Is Yassine Chueko married?
No, Yassine Chueko is not currently married and does not have any children. He keeps his personal life very private.
Did Yassine Chueko serve in the military?
Yes, Chueko served in the US Navy from 2010-2014 and claims to have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. However, his exact roles and service record are unclear.
What is Yassine Chueko’s net worth?
Chueko’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million as of 2024.
At The End
Yassine Chueko’s remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming a renowned bodyguard for soccer icon Messi is a captivating tale. His life, marked by MMA achievements, military controversy, and a private persona, has thrust him into the public eye. Chueko’s rise from rags to riches and his transition from MMA success to a celebrity bodyguard, especially for Messi, has made him an instant sensation. Despite limited details about his early life, his recent career moves have solidified his status in the limelight. As Chueko continues to navigate the world of the rich and famous, his celebrity status appears set to endure.
