Van Persie Defends Son’s Feyenoord Debut, Says Decision Was Professional

Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie has explained that his decision to hand his son, Shaqueel Van Persie, a senior debut in Thursday’s Europa League clash against Celtic was purely a coaching decision, not a paternal one. The Dutch side lost 3-1 at home.

Shaqueel, 19, who signed his first professional contract with Feyenoord in 2022, had been an unused substitute during Sunday’s Eredivisie defeat to NEC Nijmegen, marking his first call-up to the first-team squad.

He made his senior debut against Celtic, coming on in the 81st minute to replace defender Jordan Lotomba, with Feyenoord trailing 2-0.

Speaking after the match, Van Persie said:
“I made that call as a coach, not as a dad, because we needed a goal. Shaqueel is a player who can score from all angles. That was the reason I brought him on.”

The substitution did not change the outcome, as Feyenoord conceded a third goal just a minute later, with Benjamin Nygren sealing the win for the Scottish side.

Reflecting on the moment from a personal perspective, Van Persie added:
“From a father’s point of view, your son’s debut is always special. But I wasn’t focused on enjoying that moment; I was working, like I do with all players.”

Shaqueel Van Persie was born in London in 2006 during Robin Van Persie’s time at Arsenal. His mother, Bouchra, is Dutch-Moroccan.

Feyenoord will next face SC Telstar in an Eredivisie fixture on Sunday.