Manchester City were crowned FA Youth Cup champions for a second time in three years as they defeated rivals Manchester United on Thursday night, in front of a star-studded crowd.
Reigan Heskey, the son of ex-England and Liverpool star Emile, scored the winner late on to continue to see his reputation rise at the Etihad Stadium, and his dad was in the stadium to watch on alongside the likes of Pep Guardiola, Phil Foden, and Antoine Semenyo.
But he wasn't the only son of a former Premier League player on show during the game, with former Blackburn defender Chris Samba also in the crowd to watch his two sons shine during the game. Samba made 171 appearances in the English top-flight during his professional career, featuring for QPR alongside Blackburn, but now his kids look like they could be ready to step forward and continue his legacy.
Samba's Sons Shining for Man City Academy
Floyd Samba
Floyd Samba is a 17-year-old central midfielder who has been fantastic for City's youngsters this season, and he scored a stunning free-kick to break the deadlock during the FA Youth Cup final. That was his third goal in six appearances in the competition this season, alongside two assists.
In total, he has managed a spectacular 24 goals and nine assists in 37 appearances so far this season, establishing himself as one of the top young central midfielders in the country.
His brother, Tyrone, is an 18-year-old winger who managed two goals and an assist in six FA Youth Cup appearances, while throughout the campaign in all competitions, he has registered nine goals and eight assists in 36 appearances.
Tyrone has previously spoken to the official Man City website, and admitted that his dad was his biggest inspiration to become a professional football at the top level.
“He [my Dad] is definitely my biggest inspiration," he said.
"Watching him was a good insight into what being a football player is, and we got to observe a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff. Seeing everything he’s gone through to get to where he did in his career is inspiring.”
He also commented on the relationship he has with his brother, and how their dad appears at every game to cheer them on and give them advice.
“We [Tyrone and Floyd] have been playing football together since we were kids, so we just know what we want out of each other, and the chemistry we have is really good,” Tyrone explained.
“Working our way through the age groups together in the Academy helped us both improve because we compete a little to be better than each other, that sibling rivalry I guess.
“Our Dad comes to most games, and whenever he is there, I just want to impress him as much as possible. Our Mum also comes, and sometimes our younger brother, Emerson. He’s 11 and he’s a centre back. He’s massive already!
“And then Floyd and I support each other as much as we can. I really enjoy watching him play, I always want to see him succeed, and I think the same for him for me."
England Face Battle to Keep Both Starlets
Tyrone Samba
Both Tyrone and Floyd have been at Man City since Under-8's level, and having been born in England, they are eligible to represent the Three Lions.
Floyd has already represented England at youth level, but there are nations in Africa who are ready to pull on the teenage duo's heartstrings to get them to represent another country instead.
According to The Sun, they're not the only nations vying for the Samba's attention, with the pair eligible to represent France and Germany through their parents. Germany have previously taken young English talent such as Jamal Musiala, and could look to convince the talented duo to follow in his footsteps.
While it's reported that both players could be tempted, no decisions have been made, and it's stated that they would likely speak to their dad before any decision was made.
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