Van Persie Hands Son Senior Debut ‘as a Coach – Not as a Dad’

Robin van Persie says his decision to introduce his son Shaqueel during Feyenoord’s Europa League defeat to Celtic was made purely from a tactical standpoint, rather than sentiment.

Nineteen-year-old Shaqueel, who spent two years in Manchester City’s academy before joining Feyenoord in 2017, signed his first professional deal with the Dutch club in 2022. After being named in the first-team squad for the first time during Sunday’s Eredivisie loss to NEC Nijmegen, he made his senior debut four days later, coming on in the 81st minute against Celtic.

“I made that call as a coach, not as a dad, because we needed a goal,” said former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Van Persie after the match.

“Shaqueel is a player who can score from all angles. That was the reason I brought him on. From a father’s point of view, seeing your son make his debut is always a special moment, but I wasn’t focused on enjoying it — I was doing my job, just as Shaqueel was.”

The London-born forward had limited time to make an impact, registering only one attempt inside the Celtic penalty area. He entered the match with Feyenoord trailing 2–1, and Martin O’Neill’s side restored their two-goal cushion just a minute later.

“The way I see Shaqueel is simply as one of the players,” Van Persie added. “This is something we agreed on years ago when we began working together. Shaqueel has handled that really well, and I believe I have too.

“Later, when we are at home, of course we will share a proud moment together. I am proud of Shaqueel because, like anyone making their debut, there has been a long process behind it. He worked hard, earned it, and it is a special moment for him.”

Van Persie joins a notable list of managers who have handed debuts to their sons, and football history is filled with father–son duos who have played together or shared the pitch under the same leadership.

Johan and Jordi Cruyff

Dutch legend Johan Cruyff remains one of football’s most influential figures, both as a player and a manager with Ajax and Barcelona. His son Jordi made 54 appearances for Barcelona during Johan’s managerial tenure. Although Jordi enjoyed a respectable career, including spells at Manchester United and with the Netherlands national team, the weight of expectation under such an iconic father was immense.

Harry and Jamie Redknapp

Jamie Redknapp both began and ended his playing career under his father Harry. He featured for Bournemouth as a teenager before earning a move to Liverpool, and later reunited with Harry at Southampton in 2005. Harry also managed his nephew, Frank Lampard, during his time at West Ham.

Steve and Alex Bruce

Alex Bruce played 116 matches under his father Steve at Birmingham and Hull, more than he did under any other manager. He later joined Steve’s backroom staff at West Brom.

Zinedine and Enzo & Luca Zidane

Real Madrid icon Zinedine Zidane fielded two of his sons during his managerial tenure. Midfielder Enzo scored on his Copa del Rey debut, while goalkeeper Luca made two La Liga appearances. Both departed the club before Zidane’s second spell ended in 2021.

Sir Alex and Darren Ferguson

Darren Ferguson progressed through Manchester United’s youth system and made 29 appearances under his father, Sir Alex. He was part of the Premier League title-winning squad in 1992–93 before moving to Wolves in 1994.

Diego and Giuliano Simeone

Giuliano Simeone, an Argentine forward, has spent loan spells at Zaragoza and Alavés but has also featured under his father Diego at Atlético Madrid, making his senior debut in April 2022.

Danny and Daley Blind

Daley Blind, the versatile former Ajax and Manchester United defender, played under his father Danny during his spell as manager of the Netherlands from 2015 to 2017.