“It must have been tough to grow up in a household with a famous father.”
A statement posed at many sportsmen who’ve grown up in the shadow of famous parents, however there have been plenty who’ve made a name for themselves. Here we have a look at some famous father and son sporting combinations.
Peter and Kasper Schmeichel
Kasper finally stepped out of Peter’s shadow earlier this year when Leicester won the Premier League title. Dad Peter had a glistening career as a player, most notably at Manchester United, and they can take pride in knowing that they’re the first father and son duo to become Premier League title winners.
Nigel and Conor Benn
Nigel Benn was the WBO Middleweight Champion in the 1990s and will be widely remembered for his bouts with rival Chris Eubank. Although only 19, Conor is following in the footsteps of his father and has already recorded three professional victories.
Micky and Alec Stewart
Alec is arguably the more famous of this duo. He’s a former England cricket captain and is the most capped English cricketer of all time. Father Micky played 8 Test matches for England in his career, but both are synonymous with Surrey Cricket Club. Micky played at The Oval for 18 years, whilst Alec played for 23 years.
Ian Wright, Shaun and Bradley Wright Phillips
Ian was best known for his goal scoring exploits at Crystal Palace and Arsenal in the 1980s and 1990s. Both of his sons are professional footballers as well. Shaun played for Chelsea and Manchester City and earned 36 England caps, whilst Bradley spent much of his career in the second and third tiers of English football. The brothers now play for New York Red Bulls in the MLS.
Nick, Tom and Ben Youngs
Nick Youngs is a former England international scrum half, representing the Red Rose 6 times in 1983 and 1984. Both of his sons have gone on to play for England as well. Tom was a firm favourite with Stuart Lancaster, playing 28 times, whilst Ben has played 61 times. The Youngs family has the distinction of all starting in victories over New Zealand. Nick in 1983, Ben and Tom in 2012.
Brian and Sean Fitzpatrick
There have been 18 father and son duos that’ve represented the All Blacks, but Brian and Sean are arguably the most famous. Brian played 22 matches for New Zealand, whilst Sean pulled on the famous black jersey 92 times. Sean lifted the World Cup in 1987 and also captained the All Blacks in the 1995 World Cup. He also led New Zealand on their first tour of South Africa after the end of apartheid.
Dick and Will Greenwood
2003 World Cup winner Will followed his father into a white England jersey. Dick played 5 times in the back row for England between 1966 and 1969, whilst Will became a vital cog in England’s World Cup win under Sir Clive Woodward. Will also toured with the British Lions three times and represented England 55 times.
Andy and Owen Farrell
Another rugby father and son duo, Andy made his name in rugby league, representing Wigan and Great Britain before crossing codes and joining Saracens in 2005. Owen is well on his way to being an England rugby union great and has already made 43 appearances as well as touring with the British Lions in 2013.
Chris and Stuart Broad
Currently serving as an ICC cricket official, Chris Broad played 25 Tests and 34 ODIs for England in the 1980s. Stuart is currently in England’s cricket team and has played 95 Tests and 121 ODIs. He’s taken 351 Test wickets and also holds a Test match century at Lords.
Steve and Alex Bruce
Formerly a player at Manchester United under Alex Ferguson, Steve Bruce has gone on to have a successful managerial career. As Hull manager, Steve signed his son Alex from Leeds in 2012 and has managed him since. Steve famously never played for England; however Alex has made 2 appearances for Northern Ireland.
Chris Eubank and Chris Eubank Jr.
One of the most outspoken individuals in sport has a son, and the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree with this one. Chris Senior was a former World Middleweight Champion in the 1980s and 1990s, whilst his son Junior has inherited his persona, body language and granite chin. Chris Senior regularly accompanies his son to the ring and is never far away from a microphone. Junior has one defeat to his name, but is destined for great things.
Peter and Shaun Pollock
Peter Pollock was a South African all-rounder in the 1960s and was voted as a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1966. He played alongside his brother Graeme for South Africa, whilst son Shaun took over 400 Test wickets in his career and captained his country.
Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning
Manning is one of the most recognisable names when it comes to the NFL. Father Archie was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 1971 and led his team to two Super Bowls. Peyton is one of the best quarterbacks of his era, winning two Super Bowls and 11 Pro Bowl nominations, whilst Eli has also won two Super Bowls, winning the MVP award both times.
Cesare, Paolo and Christian Maldini
The name is synonymous with AC Milan and there’s no sign of it disappearing. 20 year old Christian is the third generation of the family, grandson of Cesare, he’s already captained the Milan Under 19 team and could make the step up this season. Paolo spent 25 years at the club, making 902 appearances, whilst Cesare spent 12 years at Milan and had two separate spells coaching the Rossoneri.