Robin van Persie Hands Son Shaqueel Professional Feyenoord Debut

Robin van Persie has insisted that his decision to give his son Shaqueel a senior debut for Feyenoord was made purely as a coach, rather than as a father.
The 19-year-old forward spent two years at Manchester City’s academy before joining Feyenoord in 2017, following in his father’s footsteps. He signed his first professional contract in 2022 and was named in the first-team squad for the first time in Sunday’s Eredivisie defeat to NEC Nijmegen.
Four days later, Shaqueel made his long-awaited senior debut, coming on in the 81st minute during Feyenoord’s Europa League loss to Celtic. Despite limited time on the pitch, he had one shot in the box, coming on with the score at 2–1 before Celtic scored a third goal shortly after.
“I made that call as a coach, not as a dad, because we needed a goal,” Robin said. “Shaqueel is a player who can score from all angles. From a father’s point of view, it is always special, but on the pitch, I was focused on the game, just like him.”
Robin praised Shaqueel’s professionalism and work ethic, saying the significance of the debut would be appreciated later at home. “He worked hard, deserved it, and it’s a special moment for him,” he added.
Van Persie now joins the select group of managers who have given their sons a first-team debut, continuing football’s family traditions.
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