Like Father Like Son

Football is a sport that spans generations, often creating a legacy within families. Some of the greatest footballers in history have not only left their mark on the field but have also passed on their talent and passion to their sons. Here, we delve into some of the most famous father and son duos who have both played professional football, exploring their careers, achievements, and the unique bond they share through the beautiful game.

1. Cesare, Paolo and Daniel Maldini

Cesare Maldini

Position: Defender

Clubs: Triestina, AC Milan, Torino

Career Highlights: Cesare Maldini had a distinguished career primarily with AC Milan, where he won four Serie A titles and the European Cup in 1963. He was known for his leadership qualities and defensive prowess.

Paolo Maldini

Position: Defender

Clubs: AC Milan

Career Highlights: Paolo Maldini, one of the greatest defenders of all time, spent his entire career at AC Milan. He won seven Serie A titles and five European Cups/Champions Leagues. Paolo was renowned for his exceptional defending, versatility, and sportsmanship.

Legacy: The Maldini family is synonymous with AC Milan. Cesare and Paolo both captained the club, and Paolo’s son, Daniel Maldini, is now continuing the legacy. The Maldini’s represent tradition, loyalty, and excellence in football.

2. Johan and Jordi Cruyff

Johan Cruyff

Position: Attacking Midfielder

Clubs: Ajax, Barcelona, LA Aztecs, Washington Diplomats, Levante, Feyenoord

Career Highlights: Johan Cruyff was a revolutionary player and coach, famous for his role in the “Total Football” philosophy. He won three Ballon d’Or awards, multiple league titles with Ajax and Barcelona, and three European Cups with Ajax.

Jordi Cruyff

Position: Midfielder/Forward

Clubs: Barcelona, Manchester United, Celta Vigo, Alavés, Espanyol, Metalurh Donetsk, Valletta

Career Highlights: Jordi Cruyff had a respectable career, playing for notable clubs like Barcelona and Manchester United. While he didn’t reach the heights of his father, he carved out a solid career and later transitioned into coaching and management.

Legacy: Johan Cruyff’s influence on football tactics and philosophy is unparalleled, and Jordi has carried his father’s legacy into his managerial career. The Cruyff family has left an indelible mark on the sport, both on and off the field.

3. Peter and Kasper Schmeichel

Peter Schmeichel

Position: Goalkeeper

Clubs: Gladsaxe-Hero Boldklub, Hvidovre, Brøndby, Manchester United, Sporting CP, Aston Villa, Manchester City

Career Highlights: Peter Schmeichel is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history. His tenure at Manchester United was marked by numerous titles, including five Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League in 1999.

Kasper Schmeichel

Position: Goalkeeper

Clubs: Manchester City, Notts County, Leeds United, Leicester City, OGC Nice, Anderlecht

Career Highlights: Kasper Schmeichel has forged his path in football, notably winning the Premier League with Leicester City in 2016, in one of the most remarkable underdog stories in sports history. He has also been a reliable presence for Denmark at international tournaments.

Legacy: The Schmeichel family has produced two generations of elite goalkeepers. Peter’s legacy is foundational, and Kasper has shown that he is more than capable of carrying the family name forward with his own achievements.

4. Frank and Frank Lampard Jr.

Frank Lampard Sr.

Position: Defender

Clubs: West Ham United, Southend United

Career Highlights: Frank Lampard Sr. was a stalwart defender for West Ham United, where he won two FA Cups. Known for his consistent and reliable defending, he made over 550 appearances for the club.

Frank Lampard Jr.

Position: Midfielder

Clubs: West Ham United, Chelsea, Manchester City, New York City FC

Career Highlights: Frank Lampard Jr. is one of Chelsea’s greatest players, holding the record as the club’s all-time top scorer. He won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and the UEFA Champions League in 2012. Known for his goal-scoring ability from midfield, he earned a place among the Premier League’s all-time greats.

Legacy: The Lampards are a prime example of a footballing family with deep roots in the English game. Frank Jr. built on his father’s foundation and created a stellar career, transitioning into management and continuing to influence the game.

5. Miguel and Xabi Alonso

Miguel Alonso

Position: Midfielder

Clubs: Real Sociedad, Barcelona, Sabadell

Career Highlights: Miguel Alonso was a solid midfielder who enjoyed success with Real Sociedad, winning two La Liga titles. His career also included a stint with Barcelona where he also won a La Liga title.

Xabi Alonso

Position: Midfielder

Clubs: Real Sociedad, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich

Career Highlights: Xabi Alonso had a glittering career, winning major trophies with Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich. His honours include two Champions League titles and numerous league titles. Known for his vision, passing ability, and leadership, Alonso is regarded as one of the finest midfielders of his generation.

Legacy: The Alonso family has produced two exceptional midfielders. Miguel laid the groundwork with his solid career, while Xabi reached the pinnacle of the sport, making a significant impact in multiple top leagues.

6. Ian Wright and Shaun & Bradley Wright-Phillips

Ian Wright

Position: Forward

Clubs: Crystal Palace, Arsenal, West Ham United, Nottingham Forest, Celtic, Burnley

Career Highlights: Ian Wright is an Arsenal legend, known for his incredible goal-scoring ability. He won the Premier League, two FA Cups, and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup with Arsenal. Wright was celebrated for his speed, finishing, and infectious enthusiasm for the game.

Shaun Wright-Phillips

Position: Winger

Clubs: Manchester City, Chelsea, Queens Park Rangers, New York Red Bulls

Career Highlights: Shaun Wright-Phillips had a successful career, particularly with Manchester City and Chelsea. He won the Premier League and FA Cup with Chelsea, known for his pace, dribbling skills, and work ethic.

Shaun Wright-Phillips

Position: Forward

Clubs: Manchester City, Southampton, Plymouth Argyle, Charlton Athletic, New York Red Bulls, LAFC, Columbus Crew

Career Highlights:

Bradley started his professional career at Manchester City, but it was in MLS where he truly shone and he became one of the most prolific scorers in MLS history. He won the MLS Golden Boot twice (2014, 2016) and became the fastest player to score 100 goals in the league. He also helped the Red Bulls secure three Supporters’ Shields. Known for his clinical finishing and consistency, Bradley has left an indelible mark on MLS and is regarded as one of the league’s greatest strikers.

The Wright-Phillips family has made substantial contributions to football, spanning different leagues and continents. Ian Wright’s legacy as a prolific goal-scorer has been extended by Shaun’s dynamic wing play and Bradley’s record-breaking achievements in MLS. Together, they represent a footballing dynasty that continues to inspire future generations.

7. Zinedine and Enzo Zidane

Zinedine Zidane

Position: Midfielder

Clubs: Cannes, Bordeaux, Juventus, Real Madrid

Career Highlights: Zinedine Zidane is one of the greatest footballers of all time, known for his elegance, vision, and technique. He won the World Cup and European Championship with France, as well as multiple Champions League titles with Real Madrid. Zidane also won the Ballon d’Or in 1998.

Enzo Zidane

Position: Midfielder

Clubs: Real Madrid Castilla, Alavés, Lausanne-Sport, Desportivo das Aves, CD Alcoyano, Fuenlabrada

Career Highlights: Enzo Zidane, while not reaching the heights of his father, has had a steady career playing for various clubs. He is known for his technical skills and understanding of the game.

Legacy: The Zidane family represents excellence in football. Zinedine’s legendary status and Enzo’s continuing career highlight the influence of footballing genetics and mentorship within a family.

8. Alf-Inge and Erling Haaland

Alf-Inge Haaland

Position: Midfielder/Defender

Clubs: Bryne, Nottingham Forest, Leeds United, Manchester City

Career Highlights: Alf-Inge Haaland was a versatile player known for his tough tackling and work rate. He played in the English Premier League with Leeds United and Manchester City, earning a reputation as a reliable and hard-working professional.

Erling Haaland

Position: Forward

Clubs: Bryne, Molde, Red Bull Salzburg, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City

Career Highlights: Erling Haaland is one of the most prolific young strikers in the world. Known for his incredible goal-scoring record, physicality, and speed, he has quickly become a star at Borussia Dortmund and later at Manchester City, winning numerous individual awards and breaking scoring records.

Legacy: The Haaland family showcases the progression from a solid professional career to a potential superstar. Erling’s rapid rise and exceptional talent suggest that the Haaland name will be prominent in football for years to come.

9. Danny and Daley Blind

Danny Blind

Position: Defender

Clubs: Sparta Rotterdam, Ajax

Career Highlights: Danny Blind had a successful career, especially with Ajax, where he won five Eredivisie titles, the Champions League, UEFA Cup, Cup Winners Cup, Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup. He was known for his leadership and defensive capabilities.

Daley Blind

Position: Defender/Midfielder

Clubs: Ajax, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Girona

Career Highlights: Daley Blind has followed in his father’s footsteps with a successful career at Ajax and Manchester United. He has won league titles, domestic cups, and the Europa League, known for his versatility, intelligence, and tactical awareness.

Legacy: The Blind family is deeply rooted in Dutch football, with both father and son having successful careers and contributing significantly to their teams’ successes. Their versatility and footballing intelligence are key traits passed from father to son.

10. Brian and Nigel Clough

Brian Clough

Position: Forward/Manager

Playing Career:

Clubs: Middlesbrough, Sunderland

Career Highlights: Brian Clough was a prolific goal-scorer, particularly known for his time at Middlesbrough and Sunderland. He scored 267 goals in 296 appearances, a remarkable record that underscores his talent as a forward.

Managerial Career:

Clubs Managed: Hartlepool United, Derby County, Brighton & Hove Albion, Leeds United, Nottingham Forest

Career Highlights: Brian Clough is celebrated as one of the greatest football managers in history. His most notable achievements include leading Derby to promotion to the First Division and then to their first ever league title in 1972. His tenure at Nottingham Forest is legendary. Clough took them from the Second Division to First Division champions in 1978. He then led Forest to back-to-back European Cup victories in 1979 and 1980, a remarkable feat for any club, especially one of Forest’s size.

Legacy: Brian Clough is remembered for his charismatic personality, outspoken nature, and remarkable success. His managerial philosophy emphasized strong discipline, teamwork, and an attractive style of play. He left an indelible mark on English football, inspiring future generations of managers.

Nigel Clough

Position: Forward

Playing Career:

Clubs: Nottingham Forest, Liverpool, Manchester City, Sheffield Wednesday, Burton Albion

Career Highlights: Nigel Clough had a solid playing career, most notably with Nottingham Forest under his father’s management. He scored 131 goals in 639 appearances. His technical skills, vision, and goal-scoring ability were key attributes throughout his career.

Managerial Career:

Clubs Managed: Burton Albion, Derby County, Sheffield United

Career Highlights: Nigel Clough has carved out a respectable managerial career, primarily known for his work with Burton Albion. His managerial achievements include guiding Burton Albion from non-league football to the Championship, showcasing his ability to develop teams and manage under limited resources. His work at Burton is highly regarded, demonstrating his managerial acumen and commitment to the club.

Legacy: Nigel Clough has upheld the family tradition of football excellence both as a player and a manager. His calm demeanour and pragmatic approach to management reflect his father’s influence while also showcasing his own unique style.

Conclusion

The tradition of footballing excellence passing from one generation to the next is a fascinating aspect of the sport. These additional father and son duos underscore the unique bond and legacy that football can create within families. Their contributions to the game enrich its history and inspire future generations of footballers.

Can you name anymore?