The likelihood of becoming a professional footballer is akin to winning the lottery. Sure, you may have have been the best player in your school team, but do you possess the determination and single mindedness to climb the ranks of one of the most competitive industries in the world.
Now, imagine on top of all that your father was one of the greatest players to grace the game…no pressure.
Here’s 5 players that had/have to deal with the expectations of having a father football god.
Jordi Cruyff, son of Johan
When litany of new signing arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 96 (a certain Ole Gunnar Solskjaer included), much talk on the terraces/seats was aimed the way of a familiar footballing name.
Ensuing the Cruyff and Barcelona brand stayed one of the great sport combinations, Jordi Cruyff played for Barcelona. Instead of staying put and continuing the legacy built by his father, young Jordi decided to up-sticks and move to the biggest club in England (perhaps influenced by his brief stay in England playing for the Netherlands at Euro 96)
Indeed, the name would be a heavy one. Whilst the player had somewhat of a different style to the flashy genius of Johan, an inability to excite the home crowd saw the players main position at Manchester United to be the bench.
An unsuccessful short spell with the then Premier League Champions saw the Dutchman move on, and for the better.
Jordi Cruyff would next pop up as a pivotal player in an exciting Alaves side.
Timothy Weah, son of George
Tall, strong, quick and skillfull. George Weah was absolutely devastating during his mid 90s pomp.
Leading the line for AC Milan during the Football Italia years, the player would go on to claim the Ballon D’or twice, the last African to win the coveted award.
Luckily for son Timothy, retirement saw father George fade out into obscurity….
…of course that’s not true. A living legend in home country, Weah’s next port of call would be as President in his beloved Liberia where his still endures a very large public profile.
Currently playing his trade for PSG, the club George Weah made a name with, Timothy is looking the real deal.
Shorter in stature, and far nippier in style, Timothy currently sits behind the likes of Edison Cavani and Neymar in the PSG pecking order.
Cesare and Paolo Maldini
Of course this line of footballers hasn’t quite ended, both sons of Paolo, Christian and Daniel, are currently making their way through the game, however, it’s the father/son combo of Cesare and Paolo which is the most impressive.
Beginning his career with Italian side Triestina, before transferring to Milan in 1954, Cesare Maldini become a dominant force in the Rossoneri backline – claiming four Serie A league titles and one European Cup during his twelve seasons with the club. The club stalwarts association didn’t just run at playing level, the future Italy coach would also manage Milan on two occasions.
Needless to say, Paolo had some catching up if it would be his first name the most associated with the famous club.
Making his debut aged 16 on the 20 January 1985, Paolo Maldini would go on to claim a magnificent 5 Champions League/European Cup winners medals and 7 Serie A titles – he even came close to winning a Ballon D’or on two occasions – somehow eclipsing his behemoth fathers success.
Luca Zidane, son of Zinedine
Winning 3 Champions League title as coach and 1 as a player as more than granted Zinedine Zidane some influence in the upper hierarchy of Real Madrid. So much so, 4 of his sons, Theo, Luca, Elyaz and Enzo have all been granted a Real footballing education, with all players featuring in the clubs youth system.
Only one of the sprogs has thus far featured in the first team. Whilst eye brows were raised when goalkeeping son Luca as named on the team sheet ahead of the late season draw against Villarreal, the stopper more than gave an account of himself.
With Thibaut Courtois tightly holding on the number 1 jersey, Luca Zidane is currently seeking his first team football elsewhere, on loan at Racing Santander.
Peter and Kasper Schmeichel
The sight of Peter Schmeichel celebrating his sons Premier League win from the upper tier of the King Power Stadium was a memorable image from an incredible season.
Whilst Kaspar hasn’t got close the his fathers trophy haul, the keeper can be proud that winning the league with Leicester goes toe to toe with any of Peter’s achievements – some would say on a level with Denmark winning Euro ‘92.
Sure, few could beat Peter and his inimitable style, still, Kaspar has become a reliable club stalwart for Leicester – possibly their greatest ever keeper (sorry Pegguy Arphexad)