ISL 2018-19: Like father, like son - 3 famous footballers' wards hoping to make it big

Teddy Sheringham, former ATK coach, with son Charlie (right)
Teddy Sheringham, former ATK coach, with son Charlie (right)

In their heydays, they were the biggest names in global football. They played, they conquered and retired graciously for the next generation to take over.

But they left the game with a dream - the hope of seeing their children replicate their success on the pitch. Some have managed to live up to the name of their famous dads, while others are still coming up the ranks in the competitive world of football.

The offspring of Pele, Diego Maradona, Franz Beckenbauer could never step out of their fathers' shadow and become successful players at the professional level.

Yet, there are others like Paolo Maldini and Michael Laudrup, who have surpassed their famous fathers in one way or another.

The Indian Super League too has its set of dads, whose children are now looking to become a household name. The ISL has attracted many famous footballers, marquee managers since its inception. In this slideshow, we take a look at three footballers who are looking to replicate the success of their famous fathers in the game.


#1 Charlie Sheringham (father: Ex-ATK coach Teddy Sheringham)

Teddy Sheringham was a prolific forward for club and country. Over the course of his glittering career, he has appeared for clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Portsmouth, scoring 342 times. Sheringham won the Premier League thrice and has also clinched the FA Cup as well as the Champions League. He has appeared 51 times for the Three Lions and has struck 11 times over the course of his international career.

Following in the footsteps of a successful footballing father is hard enough for most, but being the son of Teddy Sheringham must be doubly difficult.

Charlie Sheringham had a crack at carrying on the family legacy by starting out at Crystal Palace. Several loans spells ensued before a career in the lower leagues beckoned. Charlie had a brief stint in Bangladesh with Saif SC before moving back to England.

He currently plays for Dartford of the National League South.

Charlie had expressed interest in playing for ATK under his father, but the move did not happen. "If the opportunity comes then yes, maybe. It would be nice. It'll be nice, let’s see. Maybe one day in the future," Charlie told the Dhaka Tribune.

#2 Mele Meulensteen (father: Ex-Kerala Blasters coach Rene Meulensteen)

Mele Meulensteen
Mele Meulensteen

René Meulensteen ‘s son Mele started his youth career with Manchester United before moving to Preston North End in 2014.

The 19-year-old defensive midfielder has since moved to Dutch Eerste Divisie side RKC Waalwijk. Melle’s dad Rene, of course, was the assistant manager to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. Their five-year association helped Ferguson secure three Premier League trophies, two League cups, and the coveted Champions League crown in 2007-08.

#3 Celso Borges (father: Ex-Mumbai City coach Alexandre Guimaraes)

Celso Borges, Costa Rica international
Celso Borges, Costa Rica international

Alexandre Guimaraes had a successful career with Deportivo Saprissa winning three national championships, scoring 95 goals in 377 appearances.

It was only natural, then that his son Celso Borges would begin his youth career with the Saprissa. After a successful spell at Saprissa, Celso had spells in Norway and Sweden with Fredrikstad FK and AIK respectively.

His impressive performances earned him a move to La Liga outfit Deportivo de La Coruna. He is currently on books of Turkish Super Lig club Goztepe.

Adding to his exploits at the club level, Celso has also represented his country, Costa Rica at two World Cups- 2014 and 2018.

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Edited by Aravind Suchindran