Ronaldo, Rooney, & Zidane are Tearing It Up in Academies. Top Heirs of Football Celebrities

The children of footballers love to follow in their fathers' footsteps, but only some manage to shine. Most don't reach a severe level and become unnecessary for top clubs. However, some show promise and could make a mark in adult football in just a few years.

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. has switched academies five times and stood out everywhere, not just by name. In Spain, the son of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner became the top scorer for Pozuelo (55 goals) and scored 50 in 20 matches at Real's academy. In Juventus U-9, the Portuguese forward racked up 58+8 in his first 28 games. The grandmother of 13-year-old Cristianinho says he plays better than his father at that age, so Ronaldo senior can count on an excellent successor. By the way, he's already won the Saudi Arabia U-13 championship.

Kai Rooney also shines at MU and posts impressive numbers. Wayne's son was struck by injury, but in this campaign, he scored 8+6 in 8 matches after recovering. In the 2021/22 season, Shrek Jr. did an incredible 56+28. Legendary Wayne debuted in the Premier League at 16 and played for MU at 18, but 14-year-old Kai could surpass his father's achievements and do both earlier.

Three of Zidane's sons failed, but the fourth is genuinely talented. Elyaz Zidane had already won the Euro under 17 and recently became a Real Betis player. The 194-centimeter-tall Frenchman is versatile, excelling as a left lateral and center-back.

Published by Patrick Jane
22.03.2024