Enzo Zidane and the Legends' Kids Breaking into the Game Right Now

Ryan BaileyDec 10, 2014

The son of a legendary player typically has the opportunity to live a life of a Playboy, basking in the reflected glory of their father—just ask Calum Best.

However, the offspring of many young stars use a combination of genetics, nepotism and financial freedom to follow in their old man's footsteps.

Enzo Zidane—son of Zinedine—is the latest youngster to break through the ranks, having made his Real Madrid Castilla debut last month. This week, Enzo made headlines for scoring a winner for Los Blancos' third team against Atletico Madrid's equivalent.

Zinedine's eldest child leads our list of the legends' kids breaking into the game right now.

Enzo Zidane

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Following in the footsteps of one of the most skilful and successful footballers of all time is no easy feat, but Enzo Zidane seems to be doing a good job so far.

The 19-year-old joined Real Madrid's youth ranks 10 years ago and has worked his way into the C team and now the B team, the latter of which his father coaches.

Enzo has already represented Spain's U15 side and is also eligible for the France and Algeria national teams.

Cristian Totti

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Francesco Totti was born and bred in Rome, so it seems only natural that his eldest son Cristian should follow in his footsteps with his beloved Giallorossi.

Totti Jr made his debut with Roma's under-9 side in September, and he made headlines recently when he captained the side in his first derby against Lazio. He also scored the third goal of the 3-1 victory.

Brooklyn Beckham

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If Brooklyn Beckham has any interest in continuing the family business, he could either become the weak link in a pop band or a world-famous footballer.

It appears that the 15-year-old has selected the latter path, having reportedly taken trials with Chelsea, Manchester United, Queens Park Rangers and Fulham.

According to the Daily Mail, Beckham Jr has signed an academy deal with Arsenal, who train not far from the family's Hertfordshire home.

Rivaldinho

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Rivaldinho is the son of two-time World Cup winner Rivaldo. The 19-year-old is currently playing in Sao Paulo for third-tier Mogi Mirim, the club his father retired with, and for whom he acts as president.

The Brazilian legend hung up his boots last year, but not before playing alongside his boy in a game against XV de Piracicaba last year—at the ripe old age of 41.

Joe van der Sar

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Kasper Schmeichel isn't the only son of a Manchester United goalkeeper to pull on a pair of gloves. Joe van der Saar—son of Edwin—is an aspiring shot-stopper in the Ajax Youth system, representing the club where his father started his professional career.

The 16-year-old clearly hasn't been given an easy ride by his dad—at his 2011 testimonial at a packed Amsterdam Arena, Edwin didn't even let his boy score a penalty against him!

Christian and Daniel Maldini

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The Maldini dynasty at Milan shows no signs of abating.

Just as Paolo Maldini followed his legendary father Cesare into the Rossoneri team, it looks as if the third generation of Maldinis could break into the first team in the coming years, too.

Paolo's 18-year-old son Christian made his Milan youth debut earlier this month—as a left back, of course—and marked the occasion with a goal within two minutes (see above).

His younger brother Daniel is also involved in the youth setup and became an internet sensation seven years ago when he put in a masterful tackle on Clarence Seedorf.

Giovanni Simeone

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At 19 years of age, Diego Simeone's son Giovanni has already became an established member of River Plate's first team. He broke through in 2013, having played in the youth set-up since 2008.

Giovanni plays as a striker and has already bagged a few notable goals, including this impressive strike in the Copa Sudamericana.

Shane and Justin Kluivert

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Patrick Kluivert's 15-year-old son Justin is working his way up the ranks in the Ajax youth system, and he's already scored some great goals.

However, Justin's seven-year-old brother Shane stole headlines recently when he scored a brilliant free kick. His 38-year-old father can be heard proudly screaming in the clip above.

Despite only being seven, Shane also has his own Instagram feed with nearly 7,000 followers!

Diego Poyet

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Gus Poyet might not be quite as "legendary" as some of the other names on this list, but the Sunderland manager has a son steadily working his way through the ranks of English football.

Diego Poyet, 19, spent his youth career at Charlton but signed for West Ham United in July on a four-year contract. He is eligible to represent Spain (his birthplace) and Uruguay, but has so far turned out for England at youth level.