Ab De Villiers: Latest Instagram Photos & Videos, Age, Family, Net Worth, and Height Revealed
AB de Villiers is one of the most iconic and celebrated cricketers of the modern era. Known for his innovative batting style, versatility, and remarkable records, de Villiers has garnered a massive fan following both in South Africa and around the world. His career has been a mix of elegance, aggression, and tactical brilliance, making him one of the finest batsmen of all time. In this article, we will take a closer look at his early life, family background, career milestones, personal life, and more.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
AB de Villiers was born on February 17, 1984, in Pretoria, South Africa, to parents who were both involved in sports. His father, Abraham de Villiers, was a highly skilled engineer, while his mother, Millie, was a former professional tennis player. From an early age, AB showed an aptitude for sports, excelling not only in cricket but also in rugby, tennis, and golf. His athleticism and competitive spirit were evident early on, and he quickly became a prominent figure in his school and local cricketing circles.
De Villiers attended the prestigious Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Afrikaans High School) in Pretoria, where he was mentored by former South African cricketer and coach, Pierre de Bruyn. During his school years, AB de Villiers excelled in multiple sports, but cricket was always his first love. His school career was marked by his outstanding performances as a top-order batsman, and he quickly rose through the ranks of the national cricket setup.
Age
As of December 2024, AB de Villiers is 40 years old. Born in 1984, he retired from international cricket in 2018 at the age of 34, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.
Family Life
AB de Villiers comes from a well-established and sporty family. His parents, Abraham and Millie de Villiers, have been key influences in his life. While his mother was a professional tennis player, his father’s engineering background helped instill a discipline and work ethic that would benefit AB throughout his career.
AB de Villiers married Danielle de Villiers (née Swart) in 2013, and the couple has two children together. Danielle is a former South African model, and the pair had known each other since childhood. Their relationship has been largely private, though AB has frequently expressed his love and admiration for his wife in public. The couple’s children, a son and a daughter, are regularly seen in the media as AB shares glimpses of his family life on social media.
AB’s family has been a significant support system throughout his cricket career. In fact, his wife Danielle has always been a constant presence at his matches, supporting him both in times of triumph and defeat. AB has also spoken on several occasions about how much he values family time and the importance of balancing his career with his personal life.
Career Milestones and Achievements
AB de Villiers’s cricket career has been nothing short of extraordinary. His ability to perform in all formats of the game – Test, One-Day International (ODI), and T20 – has made him a valuable asset to both his national team and various domestic and international teams. Here are some key highlights of his career:
Domestic and International Career
De Villiers made his international debut for South Africa in a One-Day International (ODI) against England in 2005, just one year after making his debut for South Africa in Tests against the same opposition. His ability to dominate in all forms of the game was evident from the very start.
De Villiers went on to become a mainstay in the South African team across all formats, amassing more than 8,000 runs in both ODIs and Tests, and setting several records for fastest centuries and highest batting averages.
His ODI career is particularly memorable for his incredible batting records. AB de Villiers holds the record for the fastest 50, 100, and 150 in ODI cricket, with his 31-ball 50 and 64-ball 100 standing as benchmark achievements in the world of limited-overs cricket. He is also widely regarded for his versatility, being able to play a range of shots all around the ground, from conventional strokes to unorthodox reverse sweeps and ramp shots.
Captaincy
De Villiers served as the captain of the South African team in all three formats at various points of his career. Under his leadership, South Africa remained a dominant force in world cricket, particularly in the 50-over format. He led the team to the semi-finals of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, a tournament in which his brilliant 162 against the West Indies was one of the highlights.
While his captaincy was often praised for its calmness and strategic acumen, AB de Villiers also had the distinction of being one of the most consistent match-winners in world cricket during his tenure.
Indian Premier League (IPL)
AB de Villiers’s exploits in the IPL have further cemented his status as one of the best T20 players in the world. He has been a part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) since 2011, forming a formidable partnership with Indian cricketer Virat Kohli. Together, they became one of the most successful batting duos in IPL history.
AB’s ability to hit the ball to all parts of the ground and perform under pressure made him a fan favorite. His iconic “360-degree” batting style allowed him to dominate bowlers with ease, and his high strike rate and consistency have ensured his continued relevance in the T20 format.
Net Worth
AB de Villiers has enjoyed a successful career both on and off the field, and his net worth is estimated to be around $20 million to $25 million USD. This wealth comes from a variety of sources, including his cricket contracts, endorsements, and business ventures. AB de Villiers has been the face of several brands, and his off-field persona has contributed significantly to his financial success. His endorsements include major brands like Puma, Audi, and many others.
His involvement in the IPL has also been a lucrative source of income, where he has earned millions of dollars over the years. Additionally, his post-retirement career has included commentary, coaching, and charity work, which have continued to add to his financial portfolio.
Height and Physical Attributes
AB de Villiers is known for his athleticism and fitness, which have been key to his success on the field. Standing at 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 meters) tall, he has a lean and muscular physique, which complements his agility and movement around the field. His physical conditioning has always been a key aspect of his game, as he has often been seen executing remarkable fielding efforts, fast running between the wickets, and sharp reflexes.
Legacy
AB de Villiers’s legacy is one that transcends records. He is not just remembered for his dazzling batting performances or his impressive statistics; it is his innovative approach to the game and his sportsmanship that will remain etched in the memory of cricket fans around the world. He is often regarded as one of the most complete cricketers ever to have played the game. His ability to adapt to various formats, innovate under pressure, and maintain a humble persona off the field has made him a true ambassador for the sport.
Although he retired from international cricket in 2018, de Villiers’s impact continues to be felt, and his legacy is celebrated by the millions of fans who admire his brilliance.
Conclusion
AB de Villiers is a cricketer who has transcended the sport. His batting, leadership, and contributions to South African cricket have made him an iconic figure. Whether in the T20 leagues, on the international circuit, or in the hearts of cricket fans worldwide, AB de Villiers will always be remembered as one of the game’s greats. At 40, he may have retired, but his influence remains significant, and his contributions to the world of cricket will never be forgotten.