Top 10 Father Son duos in football

Top 10 Father-Son duos in football

An old saying says ‘Like father like son’. Well this has been true in football over the generations. We are giving you the best of the lot over the years.

1. Johan Cryuff and Jordi Cryuff

The Dutch magician is no stranger to anyone. Known for his magical technical abilities and as inventor of Total Football, Johan Cryuff is and will be a legend. He was one of the most successful managers in Barcelona’s history as he is the one who gave them an identity of their own.

His son Jordi was also a bright talent. He was handed debut by his father in 1994 in Spain for Barcelona. In 1996 he made a move for Sir Alex Ferguson’s swashbuckling Manchester United side. But injuries hampered his stay at Old Trafford and also to some extent damaged his career.

2. Cesare Maldini and Paolo Maldini

Cesare Maldini was no nonsense centre-half for AC Milan who made over 300 appearances for Rossonerris. He later on moved into become a manager as he coached Italy and led Paraguay to 1998 World Cup.

Paolo Maldini needs no introduction. A Milan and Italy legend, who only played for AC Milan throughout his career. He is most capped Italy player with 126 caps. Maldinis are a revered family in Milano.

3. Frank Lampard Sr and Jr

Frank Sr was a West Ham legend as he made over 500 apps for the Hammers. The legendary leftback lifted two FA cups with them during his stay. He was assistant manager with his brother-in-law Harry Redknapp’s time at Upton Park in 1994. 

Meanwhile Frank Jr is worshipped at just 2 miles away from Upton Park. He is leading all time scorer for Chelsea and yes he is a midfielder. He won 3 premier leagues, 4 FA cups and one UEFA Champions League and Europa League while his stay at Stamford Bridge.

4. Pablo Forlan and Diego Forlan

Pablo was a celebrated figure in Uruguay as he made a World Cup appearance for La Celeste in 1966. He won Copa Libertadores and Intercontinental Cup with his home club Penarol. 

Diego is more known for his European exploits as he represented a host of European heavyweights like Manchester United, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid, where is he is legend and fan favourite.

5. Miguel Alonso and Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso is widely regarded as one of the best deep lying midfielders in world. But he too is a second generation footballer as his father was also a midfielder who played for Real Sociedad and Barcelona in 70’s and 80’s winning two Premiera Division titles with Real Sociedad. 

He represented Spain at 1982 World Cup in Mexico. Xabi, we all know is more decorated of two as he has had a dream career playing at Liverpool, Real Madrid and now Bayern Munich.

6. Radamel Garcia and Radamel Falcao

The Radamels are a tale of lore as they are one of the best footballers of their generations in Columbia. Radamel Sr was a defender who played mainly in South America.

Falcao is a household name in world as he has left a mark everywhere he has been. He is known notably for his stint with FC Porto, Atletico Madrid and Manchester United.

7. Miguel Reina and Jose ‘Pepe’ Reina

A classic case of like father like son. Both the Reina’s were top goalkeepers of their time.

Miguel was famed for his time at Atletico Madrid and Barcelona whereas his more illustrious son was regarded as the best keeper in Spain by Rafa Benitez when he signed him for Liverpool.

8. Arnor Gudjohnsen and Eidur Gudjohnsen

The Icelandic duo has a rare distinction of playing together in an international match. Arnor was substituted by his son Eidur in a game for Iceland in 1996. 

Eidur is more famous of the duo having played for top clubs like Chelsea and Barcelona, where he won Champions League. Both were strikers and Arnor was also the agent of his son Eidur.

9. Carles Busquests and Sergio Busquests

Carles was reserve keeper for the Johan Cryuff’s famous Barcelona side. But he was part of the team which won European Cup in 1992. He had competition from legendary stopper Andoni Zubizarreta or else he was capable of walking into any team in Europe rightaway.

Sergi, got one step further of his Papi as he was part of Barcelona and Spain’s Golden Generation. He won all the top honours a team can possibly win.

10. Juan Ramon and Juan Sebastian Veron

The Argentine greats were the best football father-son duo in Argentina. Ramon never made it to the national time but won two Copa Libertadores with his home club Estudiantes. Veron on the other hand went to represent Argentina and also had a glittering career in Europe, notably in Italy.

They were known as La Bruja (The Witch) and La Brujita (Little Witch) respectively in Argentina for their magical ability on ball.