11 Greatest Father-Son Duos in Football History [Ranked]

Father-son duos are rare at the highest levels of football, and for good reason. The journey to the top is extraordinarily challenging, so for two generations of the same family to achieve success in the sport is a remarkable feat. While relatively uncommon, football has seen a number of notable father-son pairings over the years.

In some cases, both father and son have played the same position, sometimes even for the same team. In other instances, they have excelled in entirely different roles on the pitch. More often than not, the sons of legendary players struggle to match the heights of their fathers, perhaps due to the immense pressure that comes with carrying such a famous name. However, there are exceptions where both father and son managed to compete at the highest levels, whether in the Premier League or other elite leagues worldwide.

So, who are the 11 best father-son duos in football history?

Ranking Criteria:

• Success: How much individual success did each member of the duo achieve in their careers?
• Legacy: How well are they remembered, both individually and as a family, for their contributions to the sport?

11. Mazinho, Thiago and Rafinha

Mazinho, a versatile player capable of operating as a midfielder or full-back, enjoyed a 16-year professional career. Much of his time was spent in his native Brazil with Vasco da Gama, though he also had stints in Europe. He played in Italy with Lecce and Fiorentina before returning to Brazil to join Palmeiras. After two years, he moved to Spain, signing with Valencia and later featuring for Celta Vigo and Elche before eventually returning home to conclude his career.

Internationally, Mazinho represented Brazil for five years and played a pivotal role in their 1994 World Cup triumph. He started the final as a right midfielder against Italy, a match Brazil won on penalties after a goalless draw, cementing his legacy on the global stage.

Mazinho’s footballing legacy extends to his two sons. His younger son, Rafinha, began his career at Barcelona and went on to play for clubs like Celta Vigo, Inter Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Sociedad before moving to Al-Arabi, which he left earlier this year. Rafinha also briefly followed in his father’s footsteps internationally, earning two caps for Brazil in 2015.

Mazinho’s eldest son, Thiago Alcântara, is the more prominent name in football. Like Rafinha, Thiago started his career at Barcelona. He moved to Bayern Munich in 2013, where he enjoyed immense success, winning seven consecutive Bundesliga titles and a Champions League during his seven-year stay. In 2020, Thiago joined Liverpool, but injuries plagued his time there, ultimately contributing to his decision to retire earlier this year.

10. Alf-Inge and Erling Haaland

Alf-Inge "Alfie" Haaland began his career with Bryne in Norway before moving to England in 1993 to join Nottingham Forest, where he played for four seasons and made over 80 appearances across all competitions. In 1997, he signed for Leeds United and became a key part of the squad, contributing to their deep runs in European competitions.

While at Leeds, Haaland became embroiled in a feud with Manchester United's Roy Keane. During one match, Haaland accused Keane of feigning injury, unaware that Keane had actually suffered an ACL injury. In 2000, Haaland moved to Manchester City, and the rivalry with Keane reached its infamous peak the following year when Keane delivered a brutal knee-high tackle, later admitting it was premeditated revenge.

During his time at Leeds, Haaland's son, Erling, was born. Following in his father’s footsteps, Erling began his career at Bryne before moving to Molde. His breakout came after joining Red Bull Salzburg in 2019, where his prolific scoring attracted widespread attention. Just six months later, he transferred to Borussia Dortmund, where he netted an astounding 86 goals in 89 games.

Erling’s exceptional form earned him a move to Manchester City in 2022, with the club activating his release clause. Since joining City, Haaland has been unstoppable, already surpassing 100 goals for the club and playing a pivotal role in their historic European treble triumph.

9. Abedi Pele, Andre and Jordan Ayew

Abedi Pele’s footballing career was largely nomadic, and its early years reflected this pattern. Stability came in 1987 when he joined Marseille, where he spent six seasons, although two of those were on loan at Lille. One of the trailblazing African players in European football, Pele became renowned for his versatility, excelling as both a playmaker and a finisher, capable of operating in midfield or attack.

Pele has four sons, two of whom have carved out successful footballing careers. Andre Ayew is perhaps the most notable, particularly for his time in England with West Ham United and Swansea City. The Ghanaian international, who debuted for Marseille in 2007 and spent eight years there, is his country’s most-capped player. In 2023, Andre had a brief stint with Nottingham Forest, adding to an already illustrious career.

Jordan Ayew, Andre’s younger brother, also started his professional journey at Marseille. He has been a fixture in English football for nearly a decade, first with Aston Villa, then Swansea City, before joining Crystal Palace in 2018. Earlier this year, Jordan made the move to Leicester City, continuing his career in the Premier League.

8. George and Timothy Weah

George Weah holds the unique distinction of being the only person to win the Ballon d’Or and later serve as the president of his country. The legendary Liberian forward began his European journey in 1988 with Monaco, before solidifying his legacy as one of football’s greatest-ever strikers. He enjoyed successful spells at PSG, AC Milan, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Marseille.

Weah remains the first—and so far only—player representing an African nation internationally to win the Ballon d’Or, earning him a permanent place in football history. His third son, Timothy Weah, may not have reached the same stratospheric heights as his father, but he has steadily built a respectable career of his own.

Now 24, the American-born Timothy Weah began his professional career with PSG, including a productive loan stint at Celtic. In 2019, he moved to Lille, where he found consistent playing time and played a key role in their Ligue 1 title-winning campaign in 2021. Capable of playing as a winger or full-back, Weah joined Juventus in 2023, where he has since established himself as an important member of the squad.

7. Patrick and Justin Kluivert

Patrick Kluivert’s footballing journey began at Ajax, where he quickly announced himself on the world stage as part of the club’s golden generation. At just 18 years old, Kluivert scored the decisive goal in the 1995 Champions League final, securing Ajax’s victory. In 1997, he moved to AC Milan, though his stint in Italy lasted only one season before he joined Barcelona.

It was at Barcelona that Kluivert rediscovered his form, forging a lethal partnership with Brazilian star Rivaldo. Together, they propelled the team to the 1998/99 La Liga title, remarkably the only trophy Kluivert secured during his time with the Spanish giants. He later had spells at Newcastle United, Valencia, and PSV before ending his career in 2008 after a season with Lille.

Among Kluivert’s four sons, Justin Kluivert has made the most significant impact in football. Starting his career at Ajax, like his father, Justin moved to Roma in 2018. Following two seasons in Italy, he went on loan to RB Leipzig, Nice, and Valencia over three consecutive campaigns.

In 2023, Justin signed a permanent deal with Bournemouth, where he made history by becoming only the third player ever to score in all five of Europe’s major leagues. A versatile winger, Justin earned a cap for the Dutch national team in 2018 and has since become an integral part of Andoni Iraola’s system at the Vitality Stadium.

6. Frank Lampard Sr. and Frank Lampard

Frank Lampard Sr. enjoyed a professional football career spanning nearly two decades as a dependable left-back. Except for his final season with Southend United, Lampard spent his entire career at West Ham United, representing the club from 1963 to 1985. He is revered as a Hammers legend, having helped the team secure two FA Cups during his tenure.

One of his most memorable moments came in the 1980 FA Cup semi-final replay against Everton, where his crucial header in a 1-1 match propelled West Ham to a final they would go on to win. Lampard also earned two caps for the England national team, further cementing his legacy in English football.

However, his son, Frank Lampard Jr., surpassed even his illustrious achievements. A midfielder, Lampard Jr. began his career at West Ham in 1995 before joining Chelsea in 2001, where he would write his name into club history.

Over a 13-year spell, Lampard became Chelsea's all-time leading goalscorer and assist maker. He was instrumental in the Blues’ triumphs, including three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, a Champions League, and a Europa League. Widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history, Lampard returned to Stamford Bridge as a manager in two separate stints, further solidifying his status as a Chelsea icon.

5. Danny and Daley Blind

Danny Blind began his football journey at Sparta Rotterdam, debuting in 1979 and spending seven years with the club. His talent eventually caught the eye of Johan Cruyff, then manager of Ajax, who brought Blind to Amsterdam in 1986. Despite being relatively unknown at the time, Blind went on to spend the next 13 years at Ajax, becoming a key player in Cruyff's team.

During his time at Ajax, Blind established himself as a dependable defender and helped the club win all three major European trophies available at the time: the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, the UEFA Cup, and the Champions League. He also won five Eredivisie titles before retiring in 1999.

In 2008, Danny's son Daley Blind followed in his father's footsteps, starting his career at Ajax. After impressing at the 2014 World Cup, Daley moved to Manchester United, where he played as a centre-back, left-back, and defensive midfielder. He made over 100 appearances for the Dutch national team, further cementing his reputation.

In 2018, Daley returned to Ajax for another four years, leaving in December 2022 as a free agent. A brief spell at Bayern Munich followed before Blind joined Girona in 2023, where he played an important role in helping the club qualify for the Champions League. He continues to represent Girona today.

4. Johan and Jordi Cruyff

Johan Cruyff, widely regarded as one of the greatest legends in football history, achieved tremendous success both as a player and a manager. During his first spell at Ajax, Cruyff was a key figure in the development of the Total Football philosophy, where players were encouraged to play fluidly across positions on the pitch.

Cruyff moved to Barcelona in 1973, where he played for five years and helped the club win their first La Liga title in nearly 15 years. He transitioned into management in 1985, first returning to Ajax before taking over Barcelona in 1988. There, he led the team to unprecedented success, including four consecutive La Liga titles, as part of the famous "Dream Team."

When Cruyff’s son, Jordi, was born, he was given a Catalan name, further endearing him to Barcelona fans. Jordi followed in his father's footsteps, beginning his career at Barcelona during his father’s time in charge and leaving in the same year as Johan's departure.

In 1996, Jordi made a move to Manchester United, signing a four-year contract with the club. Although he showed great potential, his career was plagued by injuries. After leaving Manchester United in 2000, Jordi played for clubs in Spain, Ukraine, and Malta before retiring in 2010.

3. Lilian, Marcus and Khephren Thuram

World Cup winner Lilian Thuram enjoyed a stellar football career that began at Monaco, where he spent five years before moving to Italy in 1996 to join Parma. In his first season, he helped the club secure a second-place finish. His performances, alongside teammate Gianluigi Buffon, caught the attention of Juventus, who signed both players in 2001.

During his time in Turin, Thuram won two Serie A titles and made over 200 appearances for Juventus. In 2006, he moved to Barcelona following the Calciopoli scandal. He played for two more years before retiring, having also set the record for most appearances for the French national team, a record later surpassed by Hugo Lloris.

Thuram’s two sons, Marcus and Khephren, have both forged successful football careers in their 20s. However, neither followed in their father's footsteps as defenders. Marcus, a forward, gained recognition at Borussia Monchengladbach before joining Inter Milan in 2023, where he won a Serie A title in his first season.

Khephren, a midfielder, began his career at Monaco before moving to Nice in 2019, where he played until 2024. He then signed with Juventus on a five-year deal, quickly becoming a key player for the team under Thiago Motta. Both brothers have also represented France at the international level.

2. Peter and Kasper Schmeichel

Peter Schmeichel was in his late 20s when he moved to Manchester United, having spent the previous decade playing in his native Denmark, most notably for Brøndby. He joined Old Trafford for just over £500,000, despite being virtually unknown to fans outside Denmark.

However, Schmeichel quickly established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in England. A commanding presence in goal, he was known for his lightning-fast reflexes and remarkable athleticism, despite his imposing frame. In his final season at United, he played a key role in helping the club become the first English team to win a European treble.

Peter’s son, Kasper, followed in his footsteps, not only by pursuing a career in football but also as a goalkeeper. After spending three years at Manchester City, Kasper had short stints with Notts County and Leeds United, where he struggled to settle due to his father’s legacy at Manchester United.

In 2011, Schmeichel joined Leicester City, then in the Championship. He helped them gain promotion and, two seasons later, played a crucial role as Leicester pulled off one of the greatest shocks in sporting history by winning the Premier League. Now playing for Celtic, Schmeichel also helped Leicester secure an FA Cup in 2021.

1. Cesare and Paolo Maldini

Cesare Maldini spent 15 years as a professional footballer, most of which he spent with AC Milan, where he played for 12 years. During his time with the club, he won four Serie A titles. After a brief stint at Torino in 1966, he retired and returned to AC Milan, initially as an assistant manager before taking the reins as head coach between 1972 and 1974.

His significant contributions to the club earned him a place in AC Milan's Hall of Fame. A decade after his managerial tenure ended, his son, Paolo Maldini, made his debut for the team.

Paolo would go on to establish himself as one of the greatest defenders in football history, excelling both as a left-back and centre-back over an extraordinary 25-year career. His number 3 shirt was retired by Milan when he retired, a testament to his remarkable impact on the club.

Over his career, Paolo won five Champions League titles and seven Serie A championships, accumulating more than 25 trophies. His son, Daniel, an attacking midfielder, now plays for Monza, where he is gaining valuable experience and continuing to build on the Maldini family legacy.

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