Top 8 Football Legends Whose Sons Couldn’t Follow in Their Footsteps

Football is a sport that often brings forth legendary players whose skills and achievements become part of folklore.

These legends enchant fans with their incredible talents, record-breaking performances, and unforgettable moments on the field.

Their names are forever etched in football history, serving as role models for aspiring young players worldwide.

However, the pressure to live up to such remarkable legacies can be overwhelming, especially for their own children.

The sons of these football icons often find themselves in the limelight from an early age, facing high expectations and constant comparisons to their famous fathers.

While some manage to forge successful careers of their own, many struggle to break free from the shadows of their legendary parents.

The burden of expectations, combined with the challenges of professional football, can make it tough for them to achieve the same success their fathers did.

In this article, we delve into the stories of eight football legends whose sons couldn’t quite follow in their footsteps.

Despite their efforts and, in some cases, brief stints in professional football, these sons ultimately chose different paths, whether pursuing other careers or not reaching the same heights in the sport.

Here are the stories of those who faced the daunting challenge of living up to their fathers’ monumental legacies.

1. Rivaldo

Rivaldo Vítor Borba Ferreira, known simply as Rivaldo, is a Brazilian football legend who won the Ballon d’Or in 1999 and was named FIFA World Player of the Year.

His son, Rivaldinho, has had a modest career, playing for various clubs in Brazil, Portugal, Romania, and Bulgaria. While Rivaldinho has shown promise, he hasn’t reached the same heights as his father.

Rivaldinho began his career at Mogi Mirim and later moved to clubs like Boavista, Internacional, and Dinamo București. He has played in several countries, including Bulgaria, Romania, and Poland, but has not achieved the same level of success as his father. Currently, Rivaldinho plays for FCV Farul Constanța in Romania’s Liga I.

Despite his efforts, he has yet to make a significant impact in professional football, highlighting the challenges of living up to such a legendary legacy.

2. George Best

George Best, the Northern Irish footballer known for his incredible talent and off-field lifestyle, left a lasting legacy in football.

His son, Calum Best, chose a different path, becoming a television personality and entrepreneur. Calum has appeared on numerous reality TV shows and has built a successful career in the entertainment industry.

Calum began his career as a model in his teens before transitioning to television. He has been featured on shows like “Celebrity Love Island,” “Celebrity Big Brother,” and “Famously Single,” where he has gained significant popularity.

In addition to his television work, Calum has launched his own fragrances and has been involved in various philanthropic activities, including supporting children of alcoholic parents.

Despite the challenges of growing up with a famous father, Calum has carved out his own niche in the entertainment world, demonstrating that success can come in many forms.

3. Diego Maradona

Diego Maradona, the Argentine football icon, is remembered for his “Hand of God” goal and his mesmerizing dribbling skills.

His son, Diego Maradona Jr., has played for several clubs but has not achieved the same level of success as his father.

Diego Jr. has faced numerous challenges, including legal issues and struggles with his career.

Diego Maradona Jr., also known as Diego Armando Maradona Sinagra, was born in Naples, Italy. He began his career in the lower leagues of Italian football and played for various clubs, including Cervia, Puteolana, and Venafro.

Despite showing promise early on, Diego Jr. struggled to make a significant impact in professional football.

He later transitioned to beach soccer and has also worked as a manager for several clubs.

Diego Jr.’s journey has been marked by personal and professional challenges, but he continues to be involved in football, albeit in a different capacity.

4. Pelé

Pelé, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, won three FIFA World Cups with Brazil. His son, Edinho, had a brief career as a goalkeeper but never reached the same heights as his father.

Edinho faced personal challenges, including a prison sentence for his involvement in a kidnapping case.

Edinho, whose full name is Edson Cholbi Nascimento, played for Santos FC in the 1990s but struggled to live up to his father’s legacy.

His career was marred by legal issues, including a manslaughter conviction in 1999 and a prison sentence for drug trafficking and money laundering in 2014.

Despite these challenges, Edinho has remained involved in football, working as a goalkeeper coach and later as a manager for various clubs.

Pelé passed away on December 29, 2022, at the age of 82 after battling cancer. His health had been a concern in recent years, and Edinho was a constant support to his father, often speaking publicly about Pelé’s resilience and determination to fight his illness.

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5. Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane, the French football legend, is known for his elegance and skill on the field. His son, Enzo Zidane, played for Real Madrid’s youth teams but never made it to the first team.

Enzo has since retired from professional football to focus on his family and personal investments.

Enzo Zidane began his career at Real Madrid’s prestigious academy, La Fabrica, and made his senior debut for Real Madrid Castilla.

He later played for clubs in Spain, Switzerland, Portugal, and France. Despite his efforts, Enzo struggled to secure a long-term position with any top-tier club.

In September 2024, he announced his retirement at the age of 29, citing a desire to focus on his family and other interests.

While Enzo’s football career didn’t reach the heights many expected, he remains connected to the sport through his family’s legacy.

His decision to retire highlights the challenges of living up to such a legendary name and the importance of finding one’s own path.

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6. Paolo Maldini

Paolo Maldini, the Italian defender, spent his entire career at AC Milan and is considered one of the greatest defenders in football history.

His son, Daniel Maldini, has played for AC Milan’s youth teams but has yet to establish himself in the first team. Daniel continues to work hard to carve out his own path in football.

Daniel Maldini, born on October 11, 2001, followed in his father’s footsteps by joining AC Milan’s youth academy.

He made his first-team debut in February 2020 and has since played for various clubs, including Spezia and Empoli on loan. In January 2024, Daniel joined Monza, where he has made 20 Serie A appearances, scoring 3 goals.

Recently, Daniel signed with Atalanta on a permanent deal, aiming to further his career and prove himself in Serie A.

Despite the challenges of living up to his father’s legacy, Daniel remains dedicated to his football career. He continues to work hard, hoping to establish himself as a professional player and make his own mark in the sport.

7. David Beckham

Brooklyn Beckham, the eldest son of football legend David Beckham and fashion icon Victoria Beckham, has carved out his own niche in the world of fashion and photography.

Unlike his father, Brooklyn chose to pursue a career behind the camera rather than on the football field.

He began his modeling career in 2014, gracing the covers of prestigious magazines like Vogue China and Interview. However, it was his passion for photography that truly set him apart.

At just 16, Brooklyn shot a Burberry campaign, which sparked both admiration and criticism due to his young age and famous surname.

Despite the mixed reactions, he continued to hone his craft, eventually publishing his first photography book, “What I See,” in 2017. The book offers a glimpse into his life and showcases his unique perspective through photographs.

Brooklyn’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. He briefly attended Parsons School of Design in New York but didn’t complete the course.

Nevertheless, his work has been featured in Vogue and he has collaborated with renowned photographers.

Johan Cruyff

Jordi Cruyff, the son of Dutch football legend Johan Cruyff, initially followed in his father’s footsteps by playing for Barcelona’s youth teams.

However, unlike his father, Jordi didn’t have a long professional playing career. He played for several clubs, including Manchester United, Alavés, and Espanyol, but his career was relatively short-lived.

After retiring as a player in 2010, Jordi transitioned into coaching and management. He managed teams in Israel, Cyprus, and Ecuador, and also served as a sporting director for various clubs.

Most recently, Jordi was the Sporting Director at FC Barcelona, a position he held until June 30, 2023. He announced his departure to pursue new professional endeavors.