Robin van Persie handed son Shaqueel his senior debut in Feyenoord’s 3-1 Europa League defeat to Celtic.
However, the Feyenoord boss has already faced questions as to his motives for introducing his son in the second half of Thursday’s clash.
Robin van Persie gave son Shaqueel his first taste of professional football on Thursday
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Robin van Persie gave son Shaqueel his first taste of professional football on ThursdayCredit: Getty
Shaqueel was called up to the first-team squad for a senior match for the first time in last Sunday’s 4-2 defeat to NEC Nijmegen, but was an unused substitute.
But the 19-year-old striker was handed his opportunity against the Hoops with ten minutes remaining in what was his first taste of European action.
No sentiment
Asked why he opted to introduce his son with Celtic 2-1 ahead, Van Persie said: "I made that call as a coach, not as a dad because we needed a goal.
"Shaqueel is a player who can score a goal from all angles. That was the reason I brought him on.
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"From a father's point of view, when your son makes his debut that is always a special moment. But I wasn't that busy with enjoying that moment, I was doing my work like Shaqueel was."
The teenager spent two seasons in Manchester City’s academy before making the move to Feyenoord in 2017.
He went on to sign a professional contract with the Dutch giants in 2022.
His impact was minimal against Celtic, registering just one shot during his cameo appearance.
Although no fault of his own, Celtic soon went on to add a third goal, putting the game to bed.
"The way I see Shaqueel is as one of the players," the ex-Manchester United and Arsenal striker said. "This is what we both agreed to a couple of years ago when we already worked together. Shaqueel was handling that really well, I am too in my opinion.
Robin van Persie with his son
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Van Persie gave his son a congratulatory pat on the back at full timeCredit: Getty
"Later on when we are home of course we will have a nice moment, when we are proud of each other.
“I am proud of Shaqueel because, like every player who makes his debut, there is a whole process going on before he made his debut. He worked hard, deserved it and, for him, it is a special moment."
Fathers and Sons
Van Persie has joined a unique club of managers who have had the pleasure of handing debuts to their sons.
The late great Johan Cruyff gave his son Jordi his full debut as manager of Barcelona.
Jordi went on to play for the Catalan giants 54 times and later enjoyed a spell at Manchester United.
France hero Zinedine Zidane was a dab hand both as a player and a manager and handed sons Luca and Enzo their Real Madrid starts.
Enzo featured just once for Real's first team - a Spanish Cup clash under the tutelage of his father Zinedine
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Enzo featured just once for Real's first team - a Spanish Cup clash under the tutelage of his father ZinedineCredit: Getty
Harry Redknapp gave son Jamie his first start in football at Bournemouth
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Harry Redknapp gave son Jamie his first start in football at Bournemouth
Midfielder Luca went on to feature once for Los Blancos while goalkeeper Enzo played twice.
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Another La Liga favourite in Diego Simeone let son Guiliano loose on Spanish defences with Atletico Madrid before having loan spells with Real Zaragoza and Alaves.
Closer to home, Alex Ferguson gave a debut to Darren at Manchester United, Steve Bruce handed Alex his first game at Birmingham and Harry Redknapp introduced Jamie to the rigours of professional football when the pair were at Bournemouth.