Watch emotional moment van Persie consoled his son after career ending injury

It was supposed to be a proud European night for Robin van Persie on Thursday, January 29, 2026. Instead, it ended in anguish.

Feyenoord talent Shaqueel van Persie was forced off on a stretcher during his side’s UEFA Europa League clash against Real Betis after suffering what looked to be a serious knee injury. The 19-year-old, son of the Feyenoord head coach, had only been on the pitch for minutes.

Introduced in the 73rd minute, Shaqueel made an immediate impact, assisting Casper Tengstedt’s goal to put Feyenoord 2-1 ahead. But just ten minutes later, disaster struck.

After landing awkwardly on his right leg, his knee appeared to bend backward. The youngster was left in visible agony as medical staff rushed to his aid.

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As he was carried toward the sideline, Robin van Persie walked over, not just as a manager, but as a father.

“It’s not looking good. Tests have to point out how he’s doing, but the first signs are not looking good,” Van Persie told Ziggo Sport in his post-match interview.

The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker admitted the moment was deeply personal.

“I’m a coach, but I’m also his father, and I find this terrible. It’s a bit of both. It’s heartbreaking that he’s going through this,” he added.

Watch the video below:

The moment Van Persie and his son shared after his son sustained a career ending injury. 😢pic.twitter.com/dGKfSPtwJP

— Man United Fan Club (@manufcnow) January 30, 2026

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