Sometimes, talent alone isn’t enough to make it as a professional footballer or in any sport. In fact, for some, talent isn’t even a requirement. This is where the world’s top 10 nepo babies in football come in. Wondering what that is? This article breaks down the nepotism babies in football.
Having influential parents—especially ones with deep pockets or strong connections—can open doors that would otherwise remain closed. This phenomenon, commonly referred to as “nepo babies” in football, has become a growing trend worldwide. Let’s explore the top 10 nepo babies in football.
Nepotism in SA Football
In South Africa, one of the most blatant examples is Andile Mpisane at Royal AM. Despite lacking a background in competitive football, he regularly makes the starting lineup for the KwaZulu-Natal-based club. His inclusion has often left the team at a disadvantage, as seen in a Betway Premiership clash against Kaizer Chiefs last year. Royal AM, trailing 2-0 at halftime, mounted an impressive comeback to draw 2-2—coincidentally after Mpisane was substituted.
Mpisane’s route to professional football was unconventional. Instead of developing through an academy system, he was gifted a club by his mother, Durban businesswoman and socialite Shauwn Mkhize, for his 19th birthday. This raises the question: how many deserving young talents miss out because of players who are selected due to their last names rather than their skills?
A Global Trend of Nepotism in Football
South Africa isn’t alone in this. Across the world, there have been multiple cases of players getting opportunities simply because of who their parents are.
- Al-Saadi Gaddafi (Libya)
- The son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi managed to carve out a football career despite lacking ability. He was simultaneously the president of Libya’s football federation and the national team captain—essentially selecting himself. In a bizarre turn, he even secured moves to Serie A clubs Perugia and Udinese, where he managed only two appearances in three years.
- Darren Ferguson (England)
- Darren Ferguson’s time at Manchester United was heavily influenced by his father, legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson. While he was never a standout player, he made 29 appearances for the club, including 15 in the inaugural Premier League season in 1992/93. However, without his father’s backing, his career quickly declined, and he spent the rest of his playing days in England’s lower leagues.
- Harvey Neville (USA)
- Phil Neville’s son Harvey found himself training alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami—an incredible opportunity that many aspiring footballers can only dream of. However, his presence in the squad was mainly due to his father’s role as head coach. Since his father’s departure, Harvey has struggled for regular playing time and now plies his trade in the lower leagues.
- Romeo Beckham (England)
- Despite showing some glimpses of his father’s famous free-kick ability, Romeo Beckham’s professional career was short-lived. He joined Brentford’s B team but retired at just 21, unable to replicate even a fraction of David Beckham’s footballing prowess.
Top 10 Nepo Babies in Football
Here’s a look at some of the most famous football nepotism cases:
- Andile Mpisane – Royal AM (South Africa)
- Al-Saadi Gaddafi – Perugia, Udinese (Libya)
- Darren Ferguson – Manchester United (England)
- Harvey Neville – Inter Miami (USA)
- Romeo Beckham – Brentford B (England)
- Jordi Cruyff – Barcelona, Man United (Netherlands)
- Enzo Zidane – Real Madrid Castilla (France)
- Daniel Maldini – AC Milan (Italy)
- Justin Kluivert – Ajax, Roma (Netherlands)
- Giovanni Simeone – Napoli (Argentina)
Privilege or Opportunity?
While some second-generation footballers have made successful careers on merit, others have ridden on their famous last names. The presence of nepotism in football raises serious questions about fairness in player selection and whether talented individuals are missing out on opportunities.
As long as football remains a business, connections and influence will continue to play a role. The challenge, however, is ensuring that merit and ability aren’t completely overshadowed by privilege.
Related article: Royal AM Kicked Out of 2025 Nedbank Cup Amid Legal Turmoil
