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Introducing the Van der Sons: The second generation Dutch footballers

Introducing the Van der Sons: The second generation Dutch footballers

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They might sound like a Dutch Eurovision act that clung to the early-2010s folk revival way longer than they should have, but in fact, it’s a nickname (coined by the editor) for the surge of former Dutch footballers’ sons emerging to take up the family business.

By Alex Roberts

Nepotism in football isn’t quite as simple as it is in say, finance or real estate, due to the fact it takes actual skill. Yet for many, the luxurious life of being the child of a footballer doesn’t necessarily instill the work ethic needed to succeed.

It’s not a particularly new phenomenon, Ronald Koeman, Daley Blind, and Steven Berghuis all had fathers that were professional footballers. It just doesn’t happen anywhere else nearly as much as is does in the Netherlands.

The House of Kluivert, arguably the most successful Dutch footballing dynasty, recently enjoyed a remarkable spell. All four of Patrick Kluivert’s sons are footballers, and on October 2, three of them found the back of the net on three consecutive days.

First there was Shane Kluivert, who scored the equaliser in Barcelona Under-19’s 2-1 UEFA Youth League win over PSG. Then came Ruben Kluivert, the only defensive Kluivert, who bagged his first goal for new club Lyon in their 2-0 Europa League victory over RB Salzburg.

Finally, there was Justin Kluivert, the most famous of the Kluivert children. He capped a fine performance for high-flying Bournemouth with a well-placed long-range effort to give his side the lead against Fulham.

In the summer of 2010, a star-studded Dutch side played their way to the World Cup final. Although they ultimately fell at the final hurdle, losing 1-0 to Spain, Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben, Rafael van der Vaart, Mark van Bommel, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar all etched their names into their nation’s footballing history.

Now, 15 years later, their kids will be hoping to go one step further, although they certainly have some big boots to fill.

Perhaps the furthest along in their development is Ruben van Bommel, son of Dutch hardman Mark. Unlike his defender old man, Ruben is a left winger, who learned his trade at AZ Alkmaar, breaking into the first team in 2023 and going on to score 17 goals and provide six assists in his 73 games for the club.

This summer, champions PSV came knocking, and Van Bommel Jr. joined for a reported fee of €16 million. Standing at 6’4”, the 21-year-old has absolutely no right being as technically gifted as he is, using his rapid pace to beat his man to burst into the opposition box.

He’s already making waves at PSV, scoring four goals in his eight games across all competitions (three in the league). Unfortunately, after picking up a serious knee injury in the 2-2 draw with arch-rivals Ajax, it looks like he’ll be out for the rest of the season.

“The moment it happened, I immediately sensed that something was wrong,” Van Bommel said on the club website. “This is a significant setback, as I was highly motivated to make this an unforgettable season with PSV. However, I am quickly adjusting my mindset. I will do everything I can to return to the pitch in the best possible condition, and in the meantime, I will continue to support the team from the sidelines.”

Of all the second-generation stars, perhaps the highest hopes are pinned on Shaqueel van Persie, son of all-time Oranje top scorer Robin van Persie. Shaqueel came through Feyenoord’s academy, just like daddy dearest, who now happens to be first team manager.

The former Arsenal and Man United gun man is yet to give Shaqueel his professional debut, largely because they currently have Eredivisie top scorer Ayase Ueda up top banging them in for fun with eight goals in his eight games.

He certainly has his dad’s eye for goal. Blessed with quick feet, Shaqueel has been a nuisance at youth level, scoring 30 goals in his 53 games for Feyenoord’s various ranks. Funnily enough he’s only provided a single assist, so he clearly doesn’t care for much else than finding the net.

Rafael van der Vaart may genuinely be one of the most underrated players of his generation, his son Damian, will be hoping he can make up for that. Like Rafael did, the 19-year-old is playing for Ajax’s famous academy.

While Rafael was a number ten, Damian is a little more defensive minded, operating primarily as a six, although he does display the same comfort in possession that defined his father’s game.

Born in Madrid when his father Klaas-Jan Huntelaar was at Real, 16-year-old Sebastian left Vitesse this summer with the Dutch’s club future still very much in the air, joining PSV’s academy for a respectable €200k. A striker just like his father; he needs to be studying one of the most clinical forward the Netherlands has ever produced.

19-year-old Jessey Sneijder signed his first professional contract with FC Utrecht, the club his father Wesley supported, despite the fact he never played for them, last season. He’s since trained with the first team on several occasions, playing in the number ten role much like his dad. He’s understood to be quite the freekick specialist.

Finally, the “cut-in king” Arjen Robben has two sons in the academy of his former club, FC Groningen. The eldest, 16-year-old Luka, is beginning to show glimpses of that fearless, old-school winger style — the kind who loves to take on defenders and cause chaos down the flank. Sound familiar?

There is something deeply romantic about these young men wanting to follow in the footsteps of their fathers, and for those of us who grew up watching such a talented generation of Dutch players, if offers a comforting sense of familiarity.

It’s fair to say the Netherlands haven’t been quite the same since these daddies retired, perhaps their sons can help bring them back to the centre stage.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow the Eredivisie on FotMob during the 2025/26 season – with in-depth stat coverage, xG, and player ratings, where available. Download the free app here.

Introducing the Van der Sons: The second generation Dutch footballers

They might sound like a Dutch Eurovision act that clung to the early-2010s folk revival way longer than they should have, but in fact, it’s a nickname (coined by the editor) for the surge of former Dutch footballers’ sons emerging to take up the family business.

By Alex Roberts

Nepotism in football isn’t quite as simple as it is in say, finance or real estate, due to the fact it takes actual skill. Yet for many, the luxurious life of being the child of a footballer doesn’t necessarily instill the work ethic needed to succeed.

It’s not a particularly new phenomenon, Ronald Koeman, Daley Blind, and Steven Berghuis all had fathers that were professional footballers. It just doesn’t happen anywhere else nearly as much as is does in the Netherlands.

The House of Kluivert, arguably the most successful Dutch footballing dynasty, recently enjoyed a remarkable spell. All four of Patrick Kluivert’s sons are footballers, and on October 2, three of them found the back of the net on three consecutive days.

First there was Shane Kluivert, who scored the equaliser in Barcelona Under-19’s 2-1 UEFA Youth League win over PSG. Then came Ruben Kluivert, the only defensive Kluivert, who bagged his first goal for new club Lyon in their 2-0 Europa League victory over RB Salzburg.

Finally, there was Justin Kluivert, the most famous of the Kluivert children. He capped a fine performance for high-flying Bournemouth with a well-placed long-range effort to give his side the lead against Fulham.

In the summer of 2010, a star-studded Dutch side played their way to the World Cup final. Although they ultimately fell at the final hurdle, losing 1-0 to Spain, Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben, Rafael van der Vaart, Mark van Bommel, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar all etched their names into their nation’s footballing history.

Now, 15 years later, their kids will be hoping to go one step further, although they certainly have some big boots to fill.

Perhaps the furthest along in their development is Ruben van Bommel, son of Dutch hardman Mark. Unlike his defender old man, Ruben is a left winger, who learned his trade at AZ Alkmaar, breaking into the first team in 2023 and going on to score 17 goals and provide six assists in his 73 games for the club.

This summer, champions PSV came knocking, and Van Bommel Jr. joined for a reported fee of €16 million. Standing at 6’4”, the 21-year-old has absolutely no right being as technically gifted as he is, using his rapid pace to beat his man to burst into the opposition box.

He’s already making waves at PSV, scoring four goals in his eight games across all competitions (three in the league). Unfortunately, after picking up a serious knee injury in the 2-2 draw with arch-rivals Ajax, it looks like he’ll be out for the rest of the season.

“The moment it happened, I immediately sensed that something was wrong,” Van Bommel said on the club website. “This is a significant setback, as I was highly motivated to make this an unforgettable season with PSV. However, I am quickly adjusting my mindset. I will do everything I can to return to the pitch in the best possible condition, and in the meantime, I will continue to support the team from the sidelines.”

Of all the second-generation stars, perhaps the highest hopes are pinned on Shaqueel van Persie, son of all-time Oranje top scorer Robin van Persie. Shaqueel came through Feyenoord’s academy, just like daddy dearest, who now happens to be first team manager.

The former Arsenal and Man United gun man is yet to give Shaqueel his professional debut, largely because they currently have Eredivisie top scorer Ayase Ueda up top banging them in for fun with eight goals in his eight games.

He certainly has his dad’s eye for goal. Blessed with quick feet, Shaqueel has been a nuisance at youth level, scoring 30 goals in his 53 games for Feyenoord’s various ranks. Funnily enough he’s only provided a single assist, so he clearly doesn’t care for much else than finding the net.

Rafael van der Vaart may genuinely be one of the most underrated players of his generation, his son Damian, will be hoping he can make up for that. Like Rafael did, the 19-year-old is playing for Ajax’s famous academy.

While Rafael was a number ten, Damian is a little more defensive minded, operating primarily as a six, although he does display the same comfort in possession that defined his father’s game.

Born in Madrid when his father Klaas-Jan Huntelaar was at Real, 16-year-old Sebastian left Vitesse this summer with the Dutch’s club future still very much in the air, joining PSV’s academy for a respectable €200k. A striker just like his father; he needs to be studying one of the most clinical forward the Netherlands has ever produced.

19-year-old Jessey Sneijder signed his first professional contract with FC Utrecht, the club his father Wesley supported, despite the fact he never played for them, last season. He’s since trained with the first team on several occasions, playing in the number ten role much like his dad. He’s understood to be quite the freekick specialist.

Finally, the “cut-in king” Arjen Robben has two sons in the academy of his former club, FC Groningen. The eldest, 16-year-old Luka, is beginning to show glimpses of that fearless, old-school winger style — the kind who loves to take on defenders and cause chaos down the flank. Sound familiar?

There is something deeply romantic about these young men wanting to follow in the footsteps of their fathers, and for those of us who grew up watching such a talented generation of Dutch players, if offers a comforting sense of familiarity.

It’s fair to say the Netherlands haven’t been quite the same since these daddies retired, perhaps their sons can help bring them back to the centre stage.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow the Eredivisie on FotMob during the 2025/26 season – with in-depth stat coverage, xG, and player ratings, where available. Download the free app here.