Robin van Persie Explains Why He Gave Son Shaqueel His Feyenoord Senior Debut
Robin van Persie made headlines this week after giving his son, Shaqueel van Persie, his first senior appearance for Feyenoord. The debut came during the club’s Europa League match against Celtic, only four days after the teenager was included in a first team squad for the first time. The moment created attention across Europe because it connected two generations of football talent in one important match.
However, Robin was very clear that his decision had nothing to do with sentiment or personal emotion. He said he made the substitution strictly as a coach, based on the needs of the team. The match situation required a goal, and Robin believed Shaqueel was the right option at that moment. This made the debut an interesting mix of professional duty and personal pride.
Shaqueel van Persie’s Journey to Feyenoord’s First Team
Shaqueel van Persie has taken a long and steady path to reach Feyenoord’s senior squad. The 19 year old forward spent two seasons at Manchester City’s academy before moving to Feyenoord in 2017. This move echoed his father’s own history at the club, which quickly increased interest in his development.
In 2022, Shaqueel signed his first professional contract with Feyenoord. Since then he continued working through the youth system and national youth teams. He is capped at Under 17 level for the Netherlands, showing that he is recognised as one of the promising young forwards in his age group.
The year 2025 became a major step forward. Shaqueel was named in Feyenoord’s first team squad for the first time during an Eredivisie match against NEC Nijmegen. Although he did not play in that game, the inclusion was a sign that his development was reaching a new level.
The Europa League Debut Against Celtic
Four days after his first squad appearance, Shaqueel received his senior debut. The moment came in the 81st minute of Feyenoord’s Europa League match against Celtic. The team was trailing 2-1 when Robin made the decision to bring him on. This showed that the substitution was tactical and not emotional.
Shaqueel tried to make an impact immediately and even managed to get one shot inside Celtic’s box. However, before Feyenoord had any chance to equalise, Celtic scored their third goal just one minute after his introduction. The match situation made it difficult for the teenager to change the outcome, but the debut became an important milestone in his career.
After the match, Robin explained his thinking clearly. He said that he brought Shaqueel on because he is a player who can score from different angles. For a team needing a goal, that ability is valuable. Robin added that he was not focused on the emotional side of the moment during the match because he was doing his job as a coach, and Shaqueel was doing his job as a player.
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Robin van Persie Balances Coaching and Fatherhood
Robin shared that he and Shaqueel had agreed long ago that the working relationship in football would be professional. He said that he sees Shaqueel simply as one of the players in the squad, and that this approach helps both of them handle pressure and expectations.
At the same time, Robin admitted that from a father’s point of view, the debut was a very special moment. He said the two would celebrate together later at home, away from the stadium atmosphere. Robin also emphasised how proud he was of Shaqueel because a debut is never a simple moment. It is the result of years of training, commitment, and development.
The way Robin handled the situation presented a strong example of how coaches who have talented sons can manage professional and personal responsibilities at the same time.
Football History Filled With Father Son Duos
Robin van Persie is not the first manager or senior figure to give a debut to his own son. Football history includes many father son combinations across different leagues and generations. These stories often mix family legacy with professional expectations, creating unique and memorable moments.
Below are some of the most well known examples, which show how common and interesting this pattern is in football.
Johan Cruyff and Jordi Cruyff
Johan Cruyff, one of the most respected names in world football, managed his son Jordi at Barcelona. Jordi played 54 matches for the club under his father. This period became famous because Johan was both demanding and supportive, helping Jordi grow at one of the biggest clubs in Europe.
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Their time together ended in the summer of 1996 when both left the club. Jordi later had a solid career, playing for Manchester United and also representing the Netherlands national team nine times. Despite his achievements, expectations were always high because he was the son of an iconic football figure. Jordi once shared that his father would shout instructions at him just like any other player, proving that professionalism came first.
Harry Redknapp and Jamie Redknapp
Jamie Redknapp played under his father Harry Redknapp at two different clubs. He debuted at Bournemouth at the young age of 16 while Harry was in charge. Jamie later joined Liverpool and developed into a successful midfielder. In 2005, late in his career, he reunited with Harry at Southampton. He played 38 matches under his father across both spells.
Harry also managed another family member during his career. While at West Ham, he coached his nephew Frank Lampard, who went on to become one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history.
Steve Bruce and Alex Bruce
Alex Bruce played more matches under his father Steve Bruce than under any other manager. He played for him at Birmingham City in the 2005-06 season and then again at Hull City later in his career. In total, Alex made 116 appearances for teams managed by his father.
Their connection continued beyond playing. Alex joined his father’s coaching staff at West Brom, showing how football careers can extend into staff roles after retirement.
Zinedine Zidane and His Sons Enzo and Luca
Zinedine Zidane, a legendary midfielder and a successful manager at Real Madrid, gave senior appearances to two of his sons. Enzo Zidane played one Copa del Rey match and even scored. Luca Zidane, a goalkeeper, played two La Liga matches for the club.
Both sons left Real Madrid before Zidane’s second spell as manager ended in 2021. Their time at the club attracted great attention because the Zidane name carries an enormous legacy in world football.
Sir Alex Ferguson and Darren Ferguson
Darren Ferguson made his senior debut at Manchester United under his father Sir Alex Ferguson. He was part of the squad that won the Premier League title in the 1992-93 season. Darren made 29 appearances for the club before moving to Wolves in 1994 to continue his career.
This father son relationship was particularly notable because Sir Alex is one of the most successful managers of all time. Darren later became a manager himself, which extended the family’s football connection.
Diego Simeone and Giuliano Simeone
Giuliano Simeone, a forward, made his senior debut under his father Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid. His first match came in April 2022 against Granada, where he entered as a substitute in the 91st minute.
Giuliano also had loan spells at Zaragoza and Alaves, but he spent most of his early career under the guidance of his father at Atletico Madrid. This combination is another example of how family and football often join together within big clubs.
Danny Blind and Daley Blind
Daley Blind, known for his versatility in defence and midfield, played under his father Danny Blind when he was the manager of the Netherlands national team. This period lasted from 2015 to 2017. Daley had already built a strong career with Ajax and Manchester United, but playing for the national team under his father added a new chapter to his journey.
Danny Blind managed several important matches for the Netherlands, and Daley remained an important part of the squad during that time.
A Growing Pattern in Modern Football
The story of Robin and Shaqueel van Persie fits into a long tradition. Football is filled with families who share the game across generations. When a father becomes a coach and the son comes through the youth ranks, these special moments naturally happen.
Robin van Persie has joined this list in a professional and balanced way. He made it clear that Shaqueel earned the opportunity through hard work. At the same time, the moment created pride in the Van Persie family and offered fans a memorable story during the season.
FAQs
Q1. Why did Robin van Persie give Shaqueel his debut?
A. He said he made the decision as a coach because Feyenoord needed a goal late in the match.
Q2. How old is Shaqueel van Persie?
A. He is 19 years old.
Q3. When did Shaqueel join Feyenoord?
A. He joined in 2017 after spending two years at Manchester City’s academy.
Q4. Did Shaqueel impress in his debut?
A. He had one shot inside Celtic’s box but did not have enough time to influence the game.
Q5. Have other managers given debuts to their sons?
A. Yes, including Johan Cruyff, Harry Redknapp, Steve Bruce, Zinedine Zidane, Sir Alex Ferguson, Diego Simeone, and Danny Blind.
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