Football is a sport that has a long tradition of players following in their father’s footsteps and pursuing a career in the game. While some may view this as nepotism, the truth is that success in football ultimately comes down to talent and dedication. Whether a player is the son of a legendary footballer or not, it’s their skill and effort that will determine if they can make it to the top level. In other words, in football, merit is what counts and not one’s family background.
In this list, we provide you top five famous father and son duos to play football for top clubs.
- Johan and Jordi Cruyff
Johan and Jordi Cruyff are two of the most celebrated names in the world of football. Johan, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, left a lasting impact on the sport. His tactics, style of play, and managerial skills have inspired countless players and coaches around the world.
As a manager, Johan led Barcelona to the pinnacle of success by winning their first ever Champions League trophy. During his five seasons with the club, he also helped them secure a La Liga title and a Super Cup.
Jordi Cruyff, on the other hand, followed in his father’s footsteps and pursued a successful football career. Starting off at Ajax, he rose to prominence at Barcelona where he was the top scorer of his first full season in 1993. Despite facing the pressure of being the son of a legendary player, Jordi proved his mettle and made a significant impact during his time at the club.
- Frank Lampard and Frank Lampard Jr
The Lampard family is well-known in the world of English football. Frank Lampard Sr was a legendary player, having spent 17 years with West Ham United and playing over 500 games for the club. He was a skilled left-back and one of West Ham’s most important players. After retiring, Frank Sr returned to the club as an assistant coach under Harry Redknapp and helped lead a talented generation of players.
His son, Frank Lampard Jr, followed in his father’s footsteps and made his mark in football in 1995. He spent several years playing for West Ham, making 148 appearances before leaving for Chelsea in 2001 with his uncle and father due to some difficulties. At Chelsea, he established himself as one of the club’s most decorated players, becoming an integral part of the team and making a lasting impact in English football.
- Cesare and Paolo Maldini
The Maldini family name is synonymous with football greatness, as both Cesare and Paolo Maldini were one-club men who played for AC Milan until their retirement. Cesare, who started his career in 1952, joined Milan in 1954 and played for 12 years, winning four Scudettos and a European Cup.
Paolo Maldini, Cesare’s son, was a legend in his own right. He was the heart of AC Milan’s defense for 24 years, and was renowned for his exceptional defensive skills. He was a key player during the club’s incredible unbeaten run from 1991 to 1992, where they went 58 games without losing and amassed a staggering 23 trophies.
- Enrico and Federico Chiesa
The Chiesa family is a well-known name in Italian football with both Enrico and Federico leaving their mark in the sport. Enrico Chiesa was a talented striker who played for top Italian clubs such as Fiorentina, Lazio, and Sampdoria. He made an impressive 500 appearances for various Italian clubs, establishing himself as one of the most feared strikers in the game.
Federico Chiesa, on the other hand, is following in his father’s footsteps and has already made a name for himself in the football world. He started his career at Fiorentina academy, just like his father, and made his professional debut for the club. In 2020, he made a move to Juventus and has continued to impress with his skill and performance on the field.
- Peter and Kasper Schmeichel
The Schmeichel family name is synonymous with greatness in the world of football. Peter Schmeichel, the elder of the two, left an indelible mark on the sport with his incredible career at Manchester United. Throughout his time at the club, he won five Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and was an integral part of the team that won the treble in 1998-99. He even added to his legacy by winning UEFA Euro 1992 with Denmark.
His son, Kasper Schmeichel, has also made a name for himself in the sport and has consistently produced outstanding performances as a goalkeeper. Most notably, he spent much of his career at Leicester City and was an integral part of the team that won the unlikely Premier League title. He also won the FA Cup and Community Shield, making him and his father the second father-son duo to ever achieve the prestigious feat.
Peter and Kasper Schmeichel would probably be the most famous father-son duo in football on our list.