Van Persie defends decision to give senior debut to son Shaqueel in Europa League loss

Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie said his decision to give son Shaqueel a senior debut in their Europa League game against Celtic was made in his role as his coach, not his father, after the Dutch side lost 3-1 at home on Thursday.

The 19-year-old signed his first professional contract with the Dutch club in 2022 and was an unused substitute in Sunday's Eredivisie defeat by NEC Nijmegen after being called up to the first-team squad for the first time.

The forward's senior debut came four days later against Celtic when he came on to replace defender Jordan Lotomba in the 81st minute, with Feyenoord trailing by two goals.

"I made that call as a coach, not as a dad because we needed a goal," former Arsenal and Manchester United forward Van Persie said.

"Shaqueel is a player who can score a goal from all angles. That was the reason I brought him on."

A proud moment for the van Persie family 🫂

Robin van Persie gave his son Shaqueel his professional debut for Feyenoord tonight 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/Z8yHolWx1i — Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) November 27, 2025

The substitution did not have the desired effect as Feyenoord conceded a third just a minute later, Benjamin Nygren's goal sealing the win for the Glasgow side.

"From a father's point of view, when your son makes his debut that is always a special moment," the coach said.

"But I wasn't that busy with enjoying that moment, I was doing my work like Shaqueel was."

Feyenoord next play SC Telstar in the Eredivisie on Sunday.

Robin van Persie subbed on his 19-year-old son, Shaqueel, for his senior debut for Feyenoord ❤️ pic.twitter.com/B2VpdjrD6Q — B/R Football (@brfootball) November 27, 2025