Throughout football history, a select group of elite managers have taken the unusual yet sentimental step of giving their own sons their first taste of senior competitive action.
Across Europe—from the Eredivisie to La Liga and the Premier League—these managers have walked the delicate line between family ties and professional responsibility.
Below are eight notable football managers who gave their sons their debut in competitive matches:
1. Robin and Shaqueel van Persie
Robin van Persie recently handed his son Shaqueel his senior debut during Feyenoord’s Europa League defeat to Celtic on November 27.
The 19-year-old striker previously spent two years in Manchester City’s academy before joining Feyenoord in 2017, signing his first professional deal in 2022.
He made his Eredivisie debut against NEC Nijmegen before earning his Europa League appearance four days later.
2. Johan and Jordi Cruyff
Football icon Johan Cruyff gave his son Jordi multiple opportunities at Barcelona while managing the club.
Jordi played 54 matches under his father and later represented Manchester United, as well as earning nine caps for Spain.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live in 2019, Jordi recalled:
“He was demanding of me in front of others, absolutely. He would give me a shout and the hairs would stand up.”
3. Harry and Jamie Redknapp
Jamie Redknapp played under his father Harry Redknapp at both the beginning and end of his career.
He debuted at 16 for Bournemouth under Harry before moving to Liverpool in 1991.
He reunited with his father at Southampton in 2005 before retiring due to injury.
Harry also famously managed his nephew, Frank Lampard, at West Ham.
4. Steve and Alex Bruce
Alex Bruce spent more time playing under his father Steve Bruce than any other manager.
Their professional paths crossed at Birmingham City (2005–06) and later at Hull City.
Alex later joined Steve’s coaching staff at West Bromwich Albion.
5. Zinedine and Enzo & Luca Zidane
While managing Real Madrid, Zinedine Zidane gave competitive appearances to both of his sons:
- Enzo Zidane scored in a Copa del Rey match.
- Luca Zidane featured twice in La Liga.
Both players left the club before Zidane’s second stint at Real ended in 2021.
6. Alex and Darren Ferguson
Darren Ferguson rose through Manchester United’s academy and made his senior debut under his father, the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, in 1990.
He made 29 appearances for the club before joining Wolves in 1994.
Darren was also part of United’s 1992–93 Premier League title–winning squad.
7. Diego and Giuliano Simeone
Giuliano Simeone spent significant time playing under his father Diego Simeone at Atlético Madrid.
He made his La Liga debut in April 2022, coming on as a late substitute against Granada.
He has also enjoyed loan spells at Zaragoza and Alavés.
8. Danny and Daley Blind
Versatile defender Daley Blind—formerly of Ajax and Manchester United—played under his father Danny Blind during Danny’s tenure as manager of the Netherlands national team from 2015 to 2017.
