Ruud van Nistelrooy’s son Liam is getting lots of attention because fans are amazed at how much he plays just like his dad.
Like father, like son – that seems to be true for Liam van Nistelrooy! The 18-year-old striker is an important player at the PSV Eindhoven academy and is following in the footsteps of his dad, Ruud, with some impressive goals lately.
Liam went viral over the weekend after scoring an amazing goal against Chelsea Under-19s, helping PSV reach the Otten Innovation Cup final. With his dad watching from the stands, Liam ran from the halfway line and calmly chipped the ball over the goalkeeper. It was a brilliant moment that showed just how skilled he is — and many fans noticed he looks a lot like his dad too!
He not only finishes like Ruud but even runs with the ball in a very similar way to the Manchester United legend. One fan wrote, “Runs and moves just like his Dad. Crazy.” Another said, “Receives like his Dad. Runs like his Dad. Finishes like his Dad. And celebrates just like his Dad! The real Van Nistelrooy must be smiling, remembering himself all those years ago.”
Some fans even pointed out that Liam’s goal reminded them of a famous one Ruud scored against Arsenal back in 2003. Ruud had an incredible career, scoring 150 goals in 219 games, and became a United great after moving from PSV in 2001. He scored 77 goals for PSV before moving to Manchester, then helped United win the Premier League in 2003 while grabbing the Golden Boot with 25 goals. He scored 44 goals that season across all competitions, the second-best in the club’s history after Denis Law.
Ruud is expected to stay as assistant manager for the Netherlands, working with Ronald Koeman’s team towards the 2026 World Cup, and possibly under the new coach Xavi too. Meanwhile, he’ll be watching Liam closely as the young striker tries to break into senior football this season — just like Shaqueel van Persie, who recently earned a spot in Feyenoord’s first team.
Who knows? In a few years, the Netherlands might once again have Van Nistelrooy and Van Persie leading the attack!