Everything we know about Ronnie O’Sullivan

RONNIE O’SULLIVAN is arguably the best snooker player to ever play the sport.

The star has overcome numerous battles on his way to the top, including dealing with his father’s prison sentence, a struggle with mental health and drug addiction.

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What is Ronnie O’Sullivan’s background?

Ronnie O’Sullivan was born on December 5, 1975 in Wordsley.

His parents are Ronnie Snr, the former owner of a string of sex shops in Soho, London, and Maria, born in Sicily, Italy.

Ronnie Jnr has a younger sister named Danielle.

Ronnie was born in the West Midlands and the family later moved to Essex.

He became interested in snooker at an early age and made his breakthrough in the first century at the remarkable age of 10.

O’Sullivan became British Under-16 Champion at the age of 13.

He turned pro at the age of 16 and has gone on to become one of the greatest players of all time.

Ronnie has been open about his struggles with mental health and addiction.

He once stated that he had “lost seven years drinking and using cannabis” – and another four years in the aftermath.

The sportsman says running is his solace.

What has Ronnie O’Sullivan said about his father?

Ronnie’s father, Ronnie O’Sullivan Snr, was jailed in 1992 for the murder of Bruce Bryan, Charlie Kray’s driver, during a fight in a Chelsea nightclub.

Charlie was the brother of infamous gangsters Ronnie and Reggie Kray.

Ronnie has spoken about his father in the past, saying: “He was a very generous person and some people took that kindness as weakness and played on it.”

On playing snooker to keep his father happy, he said: “The loyalty I felt towards my father…I would do anything he asked.

“My dad always said it was like visiting him when he saw me on TV. I thought, ‘Damn, that must be the most important thing, it keeps him going.’

“So I knew I couldn’t give up, even though I hated it. I couldn’t take that away from my dad.”

The 2023 Amazon Prime film, titled Ronnie O’Sullivan: The Edge of Everything, further explored his father’s time in prison.

In the documentary, Ronnie Jr. emotional as he remembers what his father said when he was sentenced.

Heels the cameras: “My father was taken away, he was convicted, he just looked up at the woman and [gets emotional and wipes away tears] You get a little emotional sometimes, don’t you.”

“He just said, ‘Tell my boy to win.’

“Typical. ‘Just tell my boy to win.’

“That was it. Damn 30 years ago.

“Part of me was like, ‘F*** you and f*** this, f*** everyone.’

“The healthiest thing I could do was probably to stop playing snooker. But I didn’t, I just felt compelled to continue.”

In a 2022 Eurosport documentary, Ronnie Jr. revealed also how much impact his father had on his career in the early years.

What is Ronnie O’Sullivan’s professional record?

Ronnie has won seven Masters, seven World Championships and seven British Championships throughout his career.

In 2019, he became the first and only player to get 1,000 career breaks.

O’Sullivan has won a record 21 Triple Crown titles during his illustrious career.

His seventh World Snooker Championship victory over Judd Trump in May 2022 saw him tie with Stephen Hendry for the most tournament wins in the modern era.

What were his most controversial moments?

Ronnie has had some controversial moments in his career.

In 1996 he allegedly headbutted Michael Ganley, then assistant press officer, and was fined £20,000 and given a two-year suspended ban.

At the same tournament, Ronnie was criticized for his “showboating” after playing left-handed.

In 1998, Ronnie was stripped of his Irish Masters title after cannabis entered his system.

In 2006, he forfeited his quarter-final match against Stephen Hendry after abruptly abandoning the match and leaving the arena during the sixth frame, leading to a £20,800 fine.

Then at the 2016 Welsh Open, O’Sullivan turned down the chance to make a maximum break, describing the £10,000 prize money on offer as “too cheap”.

When did Ronnie O’Sullivan get an OBE?

Ronnie received an OBE at the New Year’s Awards in 2015.

He was given the honor for the role he has played in the snooker world.

O’Sullivan received his award from King Charles in May the following year, with partner Laila Rouass at his side.

The milestone moment comes two years after Ronnie said it would be “a shame” for him if he were to receive an honor due to his controversial past.

How many novels has Ronnie O’Sullivan written?

O’Sullivan has written three novels in total.

The books are called Framed, The Break and Double Kiss.

Ronnie has also written three autobiographies titled Running, Ronnie and Unbreakable, plus a cookbook called Top of Your Game: Eating for Mind and Body.

What is Ronnie O’Sullivan’s net worth?

O’Sullivan’s net worth is estimated at around £14 million.

Since starting his professional career in 1992, Ronnie has won more than £10 million in prize money.

The Rocket has had an incredible 2023-2024 season, his best ever season in terms of prize money.

He has already won FIVE tournaments this season and is going to the World Cup in top form.

Winning the Shanghai Masters, UK Championship, Masters and World Grand Prix – as well as the World Masters of Snooker in Saudi Arabia – has earned him more than £1.1 million so far this season.

The Saudi victory earned him £250,000, although he failed to pocket the £400,000 golden ball.

O’Sullivan has also confirmed he will play two more tournaments before heading to the Crucible.

He will play at the World Open in China from March 18 and then the Tour Championship in Manchester on April 1.

Is Ronnie O’Sullivan married?

O’Sullivan has three children: two daughters and a son.

He is the father of Taylor-Ann Magnus (born 1996) from a two-year relationship with Sally Magnus, and Lily – born 2006 – and Ronnie Jr – born 2007 – from his relationship with Jo Langley.

Ronnie is in a long-term relationship with Footballers’ Wives star Laila Rouass.

The couple, who got engaged in 2013, split in 2022 after nearly a decade together but reunited shortly after.