Phil Collins’ Son Matthew, 21, Sparks Buzz as His Dad’s Double, Yet He Chose a Life Outside Showbiz – Photos

Most of Phil Collins' children followed him into the spotlight in one way or another. His youngest son, however, made a very different choice — and while he has largely stayed out of the public eye, photos of the two of them together tell their own story. Keep reading to see them.

On 6 April 2026, Matthew Collins, a rising footballer, took to Instagram to share a warm, close-up photo of himself alongside his father, music icon Phil Collins, capturing a rare and intimate family moment.

In the image, the pair leaned in shoulder to shoulder, both smiling softly at the camera, their resemblance immediately striking. Matthew, dressed casually in a rust-coloured sweatshirt, mirrored his father's relaxed demeanour, while Phil, wearing glasses and a pale blue polo shirt, appeared content and at ease.

"The best of surprises. ❤️," the caption read. Away from the post itself, the visual likeness between father and son has not gone unnoticed, with many pointing out just how closely Matthew resembles the Genesis legend.

"Double of his dad," one person said, while another added, "And he is very handsome like his father ❤️." A separate comment read, "He could be his grand dad [sic]," reflecting the ongoing conversation about their striking resemblance.

Supportive remarks also turned towards Phil's wellb-eing and presence, with one person sharing, "So glad Phil felt well enough to go to his game!🥰 Keep fighting Phil! 🥰," while another weighed in on Matthew's career path, writing, "Footballer, what about to be a big drummer like his father [sic]."

Despite the natural comparisons and expectations that come with being the son of a global music figure, Matthew has notably carved out a path entirely his own. Phil has five children, and nearly all of them have built their careers in entertainment, with Matthew being the one exception.

Joely Collins, Phil's eldest child, was adopted in 1975, the year he married her mother, Andrea Bertorelli. Raised in Canada, Joely built a career as both an actress and producer.

She appeared in the television series "Madison" and "Cold Squad" before producing the 2012 feature film "Becoming Redwood." Joely also founded her own production company, StoryLab Productions, in 2009.

Simon Collins, born 14 September 1976, is Phil and Andrea's eldest biological son. He spent his early childhood in London before moving to Vancouver at the age of eight, and like his father, took up the drums at a young age before expanding to the piano and writing his own material.

At just 12, Simon was already performing alongside Phil, playing drums on the hit single "Easy Lover." He went on to release his debut album, "All of Who You Are," through Warner Music in 2000, and in 2012, co-founded the band Sound of Contact in Vancouver.

Of all Phil's children, arguably none has drawn more widespread recognition than Lily Collins, his daughter with second wife Jill Tavelman. Lily first appeared on screen at the age of two in the BBC series "Growing Pains," and 18 years later joined the cast of the US teen drama "90210."

A supporting role in the 2009 film "The Blind Side" alongside Sandra Bullock opened further doors, and she later earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress for the 2016 romantic comedy "Rules Don't Apply."

Nicholas Collins, Phil's son with third wife Orianne Cevey, inherited the family's passion for percussion early. He began playing the drums at the age of two, and after impressing Genesis members at a charity event, joined the band on their 2019 world tour.

And then there is Matthew, also Phil and Orianne's son, and the one who chose an entirely different path. He began his career with Hannover's under-19s before signing with Austrian club WSG Tirol in 2023, initially joining their reserve side, WSG Tirol Juniors, who compete in the fourth division.

The club's manager later confirmed they had no idea who Matthew's father was when they were deciding whether to sign him.

What the manager did not know, and what fans online could not stop pointing out, is that Matthew carries his father's legacy in the most visible way possible. He may have traded the stage for the pitch, but one look at the photos below makes clear that some things simply cannot be left behind.

Phil Collins wraps his arms around a young Matthew and Nicholas Collins as the three squeeze into a Cars-themed ride at Disneyland Paris on 5 April 2008. A fair-haired Matthew, around three years old at the time, grins from the front seat with Lightning McQueen and Mater visible in the background — a far cry from the Austrian football pitches he would one day call his workplace.

Phil Collins poses with his young sons, Matthew and Nicholas Collins, at the opening of "Mickey Mouse's Magic Party" at Disneyland Paris on 28 March 2009. The brothers, dressed in matching grey blazers, stand in front of their father as the Mickey Mouse character looks on. Matthew, fair-haired and the younger of the two, was around four years old at the time.

Matthew and Nicholas Collins attend the third anniversary of the "Tarzan" musical at the Neue Flora theatre in Hamburg, Germany, on 22 October 2011. Matthew, around six years old and dressed in a white shirt and light trousers, stands alongside his older brother — already worlds away from the theatrical setting he is standing in, though neither of them quite knew it yet.

For those who have been following Phil's journey in recent years, seeing him turn up at his son's match will have meant something as the Genesis legend has been open about the significant health challenges he has faced.

Phil has offered a rare and deeply personal update on his health, revealing the extent of the challenges he has faced in recent years.

In a new interview with BBC Two's Zoe Ball, the 74-year-old musician discussed his ongoing medical issues, including multiple surgeries, complications from alcohol use, and a series of chronic ailments that have left him needing round-the-clock care.

The exclusive interview forms part of "BBC Eras: Phil Collins," a five-part podcast and television special that traces Phil's six-decade career through music, memory, and candid reflection.

The first four episodes, featuring rare BBC archive footage and interviews with those closest to him, were released on January 19, 2026, with the final episode — "In Conversation" with Ball — set to air on January 26, 2026.

Phil, who rose from a West London stage school to become one of the best-selling artists of all time, did not shy away from detailing his health struggles.

"It's an ongoing thing," he told Ball. "I have a 24 hour live-in nurse, to make sure I take my medication as I should do. I've had challenges with my knee — I had everything that could go wrong with me did go wrong with me."

"You know, I mean, I got COVID in hospital, my kidneys started to back up, you know, everything that start, that could all seemed to sort of converge at the same time," he continued.

He went on to reveal that he had undergone five knee operations. "Now I've got a knee that works and I can walk, albeit with assistance, you know, crutches or whatever," he added.

The problems date back nearly 20 years. In 2007, Phil suffered a spinal injury that led to severe nerve damage and later developed drop foot, a condition that has made walking difficult.

Following surgery on his back, he experienced a further decline in mobility and retired from performing after Genesis concluded their final tour in 2022. Throughout the tour, he performed seated, with his son handling the drums.

Alcohol compounded his issues. "I'd probably been drinking too much, and so my kidneys were messed up, you know," Phil said. "I enjoyed coming off tour. Coming off the road, but I thought, right, I'm gonna do all those things that I couldn't do."

Despite not drinking to excess at night, he explained, "I'd drink during the day, but I guess I had too much of it. I was never drunk, although I fell over a couple of times. But it is just one of those things that happened and it all caught up with me and I spent months in hospital."

He has now celebrated two years of sobriety. In addition to his past injuries and kidney troubles, Phil suffers from type 2 diabetes — yet despite all this, Ball encouraged him to consider returning to the studio.

Though he previously stated he had no plans to record again, he hinted that his creative spark had not entirely gone. "I've got some things that are half formed or were never finished, and a couple of things that were finished, which I like, so you know. Maybe life in the old dog. Yeah. You'll see," he teased.

Ball, a lifelong fan, described the interview as a dream come true. "Phil Collins's music is woven into all our lives, those songs are time machines, full of heart, drama and joy," she shared.

"To dive into his extraordinary story for 'Eras' and sit down with him again for such a special, intimate conversation about music, family and everything in between is an absolute dream," the interviewer added.

The podcast is available on BBC Sounds and promises a deep dive into the highs, lows, and legacy of one of Britain's most successful musicians — a man whose work defined the 1980s and beyond, selling over 100 million albums globally.

As news of his health update spread, tributes and messages poured in across social media. "One of the greatest to ever do it. Terrible what he has to go through 😞," commented one person.

Another typed, "Noooo my absolute favorite artist 💔," while a different netizen said, "Not Phil too." Others offered words of support and concern, with one writing, "So sad for Phil, he is one of the greatests musician out there. Hope he recoger for the issues [sic]."

While Phil Collins's legacy remains intact, his influence undiminished — his story, as this new series makes clear, is one not just of success, but of resilience in the face of extraordinary adversity.

Phil Collins is seen smiling during a sit-down video interview dated 7 January 2025 where he looked back on the highlights of his storied career. The moment captured shows a rare glimpse of levity as Collins spoke about the past with warmth, humour, and reflection despite the physical challenges he continues to face. | Source: YouTube/Drumeo

Phil Collins sits under soft stage lighting, his posture composed but his expression reflective. Now 74, the legendary musician has openly shared his struggles with mobility and health, and here, his thinning frame and serious gaze speak to a quieter chapter in his life away from touring and the spotlight. | Source: YouTube/Drumeo

Though no longer able to play as he once did, Phil holds a pair of drumsticks in this rare portrait beside a full drum kit — a poignant visual reminder of the instrument that shaped his legacy. Now requiring assistance to walk, the image contrasts his physical limitations with the powerful musical identity he spent decades building. | Source: YouTube/Drumeo

Wearing a zip-up jumper and seated in an ornate chair, Phil lowers his eyes and gestures toward his head — a subtle but telling glimpse into the physical and emotional wear that comes with years of chronic illness. Despite a long list of health challenges, he maintains a quiet dignity in his presence. | Source: YouTube/Drumeo

Phil Collins rests his hand against his face in a still moment of quiet thought. With visible signs of ageing and frailty, the image captures the toll taken by nearly two decades of health complications, but also the reflective strength of a man who continues to navigate life with grace after an extraordinary career. | Source: YouTube/Drumeo