7 Times Father and Son Played in the Same Football Game

The football world might soon witness a special moment. Ashley Young, a veteran player for Everton, could share the field with his son, Tyler, who plays for Peterborough United. 

Their teams have been drawn against each other in the FA Cup third round. While Tyler has only made one senior appearance, fans are hopeful he will get the chance to play in this historic match.

Such father-son moments are rare in football, but a few families have managed this remarkable feat. Let’s dive into seven unforgettable occasions when fathers and sons played in the same game.

Rivaldo and RivaldinhoBrazilian football legend Rivaldo had the privilege of playing alongside his son, Rivaldinho, at Mogi Mirim.

In 2013, Rivaldo returned to Mogi Mirim to fulfill his dream of playing with his son. The pair shared the pitch for several matches before Rivaldo retired a month later. However, in 2015, Rivaldo made a comeback to create another iconic moment. In a 3-1 victory, both father and son scored in the same game, a rare and emotional achievement.

George Eastham Sr. and George Eastham Jr.The Easthams made history by winning the Northern Ireland Gold Cup together in 1954. At just 18 years old, George Eastham Jr. joined his father, George Eastham Sr., on the field for Ards. 

In the tournament final, it was George Sr. who scored the decisive goal, securing the trophy for their team. This unique father-son partnership is fondly remembered, even alongside George Jr.’s World Cup-winning achievements.

Alexei Eremenko Sr. and His SonsThe Eremenko family is a shining example of a football dynasty, with Alexei Eremenko Sr. playing alongside both of his sons, Alexei Jr. and Roman.

At HJK Helsinki, Alexei Sr. won two league titles and a Finnish Cup with his son Alexei Jr. Later, he joined FF Jaro and played alongside Roman. All three Eremenkos shared similar roles on the field, with Alexei Sr. humorously remarking that he “couldn’t teach them any other position!”

Henrik Larsson and Jordan Larsson

Swedish legend Henrik Larsson concluded his illustrious career by sharing the field with his son, Jordan, at Hogaborgs BK.

Henrik, a Champions League winner and national hero, played with 15-year-old Jordan in a memorable match where Jordan scored. Though their time on the pitch together was brief, Henrik expressed immense pride in this unique father-son experience.

Alex and David HerdAlex Herd, a Manchester City icon, briefly played alongside his son, David, during a match for Stockport County in 1951.

Though their time as teammates was short, it remains Alex and David Herda cherished memory in the Herd family. David later enjoyed a successful career at Manchester United, but the moment he shared the field with his father is one he treasures deeply.

Ian and Gary BowyerIan Bowyer, a two-time European Cup winner, played with his son Gary while managing Hereford United.

During the 1989/90 season, Ian included Gary in the team and even played alongside him in several matches. In one memorable game against Scunthorpe, Ian came off the bench to help secure a draw. Gary scored the equalizer, but Ian, ever the coach, withheld his celebration due to a prior defensive lapse involving his son.

The HerdsFather-son duos playing together is rare, and Alex and David Herd’s shared match in 1951 for Stockport County stands as a classic example.

David Herd later had a stellar career, becoming a key player for Manchester United, but the time he spent on the pitch with his father is among his most personal football memories.