“I am proud”
Football legend replaces his own son
November 28, 2025 – 5:36 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
An unusual scene occurs during Feyenoord Rotterdam’s game in the Europa League. At the center: a big name.
For years he was one of the best strikers in world football: 102 international matches, 50 goals for the Netherlands, a total of 144 goals for Arsenal and Manchester United in the Premier League, two-time top scorer in England – Robin van Persie can look back on a great career. And the name “van Persie” could now cause a stir in active football again.
A historic moment occurred in Feyenoord Rotterdam’s Europa League game against Celtic Glasgow on Thursday: current Feyenoord coach van Persie substituted his 19-year-old son Shaqueel in the 81st minute. It was the first competitive game for the offensive player in the traditional Dutch club’s jersey. After the final whistle, the coach hugged his son – a brief moment of joy despite the fourth competitive defeat in a row. The game was ultimately lost 1:3.
“I’m not standing here with a big smile on my face because we lost. But I’m proud,” said Robin van Persie. Son Shaqueel, who has been playing in the club’s youth department since 2017, was self-critical after his first appearance: “I was nervous. A full stadium is nice and not an obstacle. I would have liked to have scored a goal or provided an assist, but unfortunately that didn’t happen.”
The offensive player was already in the professional squad in the league last weekend. He was now allowed to play against Celtic for the first time – also because his father trusts in his qualities: “We needed a goal, and Shaqueel has proven over a long period of time that he can score from all possible angles. I thought he fit in well.”
Together with striker Ayase Ueda, van Persie junior should once again provide offensive impetus. It shouldn’t be. Just a minute later, Celtic’s Benjamin Nygren scored and finally made everything clear for the Scots.