Robin van Persie says his decision to hand son Shaqueel a senior debut in Feyenoord’s Europa League defeat to Celtic was made purely from a coaching perspective, not sentiment.

The 19-year-old forward, who spent two seasons at Manchester City’s academy before joining Feyenoord in 2017, signed his first professional contract in 2022. He was named in the first-team squad for the first time in Sunday’s Eredivisie defeat to NEC Nijmegen, before making his senior bow four days later against Celtic.

Van Persie explained:

“I made that call as a coach, not as a dad, because we needed a goal. Shaqueel is a player who can score a goal from all angles. That was the reason I brought him on.”

Although Shaqueel had just one shot before Celtic sealed victory with a late third goal, his father stressed that the debut was earned through hard work:

“Later on, when we are home, of course, we will have a nice moment, when we are proud of each other. He worked hard, deserved it, and for him, it is a special moment.”

Father-Son Duos in Football

Van Persie’s situation is far from unique. Football history is filled with examples of fathers managing or playing alongside their sons:


  • Johan & Jordi Cruyff- Barcelona (1990s)


Jordi played 54 times under Johan, later joined Man United.


  • Harry & Jamie Redknapp- Bournemouth & Southampton

Jamie debuted at 16 under Harry, later reunited at Saints.


  • Steve & Alex Bruce- Birmingham & Hull

Alex played 116 games under his father, later joined his coaching staff.


  • Zinedine & Enzo/Luca Zidane- Real Madrid

Enzo scored in Copa del Rey, Luca played two La Liga games.


  • Sir Alex & Darren Ferguson- Manchester United

Darren made 29 appearances before moving to Wolves.


  • Diego & Giuliano Simeone- Atletico Madrid

Giuliano debuted in La Liga in 2022 under his father.


  • Danny & Daley Blind- Netherlands national team

Daley featured under his father between 2015–2017.

The Bigger Picture

Shaqueel’s debut continues a long tradition where footballing families intertwine careers. While sentiment is inevitable, managers like Van Persie, Zidane, and Cruyff have all insisted that professional standards guide their decisions.

For Shaqueel, the challenge now is to prove himself beyond his father’s shadow—something every footballing son has faced when stepping onto the pitch under a famous name.