Oranje Bloodline: The Rising Sons

Oranje Bloodline: The Sons of 2010’s Dutch Legends Are Rising

In 2010, a generation of Dutch footballers captivated the world. The Netherlands marched to the World Cup Final in South Africa, defeating Brazil and Uruguay along the way, and came within a whisper of lifting the trophy. Though they ultimately fell to Spain in extra time, the likes of Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben, Rafael van der Vaart, Mark van Bommel, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, and Joris Mathijsen etched their names into Dutch football history.

Now, 15 years later, the next chapter is beginning to unfold — and it’s being written by the sons of those very heroes.

The Van Persie Legacy: Shaqueel Takes Flight

Of all the second-generation stars, perhaps none is under brighter lights than Shaqueel van Persie, son of all-time Oranje top scorer Robin van Persie. A product of the Feyenoord academy — the same club where his father is now head coach — Shaqueel plays as a striker like his dad but with a style uniquely his own.

Elegant on the ball and blessed with quick feet, Shaqueel has already impressed at youth international levels for the Netherlands and has been scoring regularly for Feyenoord U18 and U21. At just 18, his technique and movement hint at the polished instincts of his father. Time will tell if he can reach similar heights, but the early signs are promising.

Rafael’s Heir: Damián van der Vaart

Damián van der Vaart, son of Rafael and TV star and model Sylvie Meis, is forging his path with boldness and flair. Now playing in Amsterdam at Ajax U19, where Rafael was developed and made his name, Damián is a creative midfielder with a sharp football brain. Rafael – himself a left-footer – laments the fact that his son is a right footer on national tv, tongue in cheek.

What stands out is his comfort in possession and vision — traits that defined his father. Though still developing physically, Damián already shows the temperament of a midfield orchestrator. His progression will be closely watched by Dutch fans eager to see another van der Vaart shine in the Oranje shirt.

Robben Reloaded? Meet Luka Robben

Arjen Robben’s dazzling dribbles and thunderbolt strikes are still fresh in the minds of Dutch fans. Now, the spotlight turns to Luka Robben, Arjen’s son, who plays in the youth ranks at FC Groningen — the club where Arjen began and ended his career.

Luka isn’t a carbon copy of his father, but there’s no mistaking the attacking instinct. Fast, direct, and intelligent with his runs, Luka is beginning to show flashes of the kind of winger that terrorized defences for a decade. At just 15, he’s still in the early stages of development, but the Oranje faithful are already whispering about a potential sequel to the Robben saga.

Another Mathijsen on the Back Line

Joris Mathijsen was a rock at the back during the 2010 run — a no-nonsense centre-half with a true defender’s mentality and strong build up skills. Now, his son Jens Mathijsen is stepping into the footballing world with similar defensive tendencies. Part of the Willem II youth setup, Jens plays as a central defender and brings a calm presence to the back line.

Though less heralded than some of his peers, Jens is quietly progressing through the Dutch youth ranks. If he continues to develop, the Mathijsen name may once again be called upon to anchor the Oranje defence. The youngster made his debut for the first team of Willem II and will be a firm starter soon.

Jens ready to come on for his dad’s ex club, facing another of dad’s ex-clubs

The Huntelaar Bloodline: Seb in the Box

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar was known as “The Hunter” — a lethal finisher with ice-cold composure in front of goal. His son, Seb Huntelaar, is still in his teenage years but already has fans buzzing. Currently part of Vitesse’s youth academy, Seb plays as an attacking midfielder and forward.

While not a traditional striker like his father, Seb’s intelligence in the final third and ability to find space are eerily familiar. His performances in the youth Eredivisie are drawing attention, and Ajax, ever the hotbed for talent, is nurturing him with care.

Van Bommel’s Boy: Ruben van Bommel Making Waves

Arguably the most advanced of the next-gen Oranje is Ruben van Bommel, son of hardman Mark van Bommel and grandson of mercurial winger and former NT manager Bert van Marwijk. His playing style does not reflect dad’s style, but more that of his granddad who was a gifted left winger as well. A severe knee injury stopped Bert from playing for Feyenoord, the club where he would be successful as a coach, later on. Ruben is a stalwart starter for AZ Alkmaar and even after an injury-riddled season, he made the headlines with his typical right-footed approaches from the left wing, not unlike Cody Gakpo‘s style.

Sneijder’s Son: Inherited kicking technique

In 2010, Wesley Sneijder was the undisputed leader of the team, alongside Gio van Bronckhorst. It’s not strange to see one of his sons also making headlines, as the 18 year old Jesse Sneijder signed his first pro-contract with FC Utrecht, the club his dad supports (even though he never played there). The attacking midfielder made his debut in the first squad training this season. The Sneijder genes were clearly on display when Jesse demonstrated his free kick capabilities.

Why This Generation Matters

There’s something poetic about these sons stepping onto the same stage their fathers once dominated. For Dutch fans, it offers a sense of continuity — a reminder of past glory, and a flicker of hope for the future.

The pressure on these young players will be immense, not just because of their surnames, but because Dutch football is always in search of its next world-class generation. The likes of Xavi Simons, Jeremie Frimpong, and Ryan Gravenberch are leading the new wave, but the sons of 2010 could soon add their names to that list.

Whether it’s the elegance of a van Persie, the vision of a van der Vaart, or the ferocity of a van Bommel, the Oranje bloodline is alive and kicking — and the next decade could bring the return of Dutch dominance on the world stage.