Robin van Persie Debuts Son Shaqueel in Europa League Match
Robin van Persie has stated that his decision to give his son Shaqueel a senior debut during Feyenoord's Europa League defeat to Celtic was made purely from a coaching perspective, rather than from sentimentality.
The 19-year-old forward, who spent two years in Manchester City’s academy, followed in his father's footsteps by joining Feyenoord in 2017 and signed his first professional contract with the Dutch club in 2022.
By 2025, Shaqueel was included in Feyenoord’s first-team squad for the first time during their Eredivisie loss to NEC Nijmegen on Sunday.
Just four days later, he made his senior debut, entering the match in the 81st minute of Feyenoord's Europa League defeat against Celtic.
“I made that decision as a coach, not as a dad, because we needed a goal,” said Robin, who has previously played for Arsenal and Manchester United. “Shaqueel is a player who can score from all angles, which is why I brought him on.”
“From a father’s perspective, it’s always special when your son makes his debut. However, I wasn’t focused on enjoying that moment; I was doing my job, just like Shaqueel was.”
The London-born teenager had limited opportunities to make an impact, managing only one shot in Celtic’s penalty area. He entered the game with the score at 2-1, but Celtic scored their third goal just a minute after his introduction.
“I see Shaqueel as just one of the players,” Robin added. “This is what we agreed upon a few years ago when we started working together. Shaqueel handled it very well, and I think I did too.”
“Later at home, we will share a nice moment and be proud of each other. I am proud of Shaqueel because making a debut involves a lengthy process, and he has worked hard to earn this moment.”
Robin van Persie is not the first manager to give his son a debut, as BBC Sport highlights other father-son duos who have played together on the same team.
Johan and Jordi Cruyff
Johan Cruyff, a legendary figure in football, was a celebrated player and manager for Ajax and Barcelona. His son, Jordi, played 54 matches for Barcelona during Johan's tenure as manager before both left the club in the summer of 1996. Jordi had a respectable career, including stints at Manchester United and nine appearances for the national team, but he never quite matched his father's iconic reputation.
Harry and Jamie Redknapp
Jamie Redknapp began and ended his career under the management of his father, Harry, playing a total of 38 matches for him at different clubs. He started at Bournemouth under Harry at age 16, moved to Liverpool in 1991, and reunited with his father at Southampton in 2005, although he retired six months later due to injury.
Steve and Alex Bruce
Alex Bruce played more games (116) under his father Steve than under any other manager, initially at Birmingham in the 2005-06 season and later during three years at Hull. He also worked on his father’s coaching staff at West Brom.
Zinedine and Enzo & Luca Zidane
Zinedine Zidane, a club legend, had the opportunity to play both of his sons at Real Madrid. Midfielder Enzo appeared in one Copa del Rey match and scored, while goalkeeper Luca played in two La Liga games before both left the club prior to Zinedine's second spell ending in 2021.
Alex and Darren Ferguson
Darren Ferguson played under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United but left for Wolves in 1994 after being part of his father's Premier League title-winning squad in 1992-93. He came through the youth ranks at Old Trafford and made his senior debut in 1990, totaling 29 appearances.
Diego and Giuliano Simeone
Giuliano Simeone, an Argentine forward, has had loan spells at Zaragoza and Alaves but has spent most of his career playing under his father, Diego, at Atletico Madrid. The 22-year-old made his senior debut in a La Liga match against Granada in April 2022, coming on as a substitute in the 91st minute.
Danny and Daley Blind
Daley Blind, a versatile former defender for Ajax and Manchester United, played under his father, Danny, when he managed the Netherlands national team from 2015 to 2017.