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Like father like son - international goals run in the family

June 4, 2026 · Unknown · Original Source

A Family Legacy of International Scoring: From the Koumas to the Cruyffs

Just over two decades after Jason Koumas netted his debut goal for Wales, his son Lewis has echoed that achievement. This week, against Ghana, Lewis scored a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer in a 1-1 draw, following directly in his father’s international footsteps.

While father-son duos in international football are not uncommon—such as Danish goalkeeping legends Peter and Kasper Schmeichel, or Norwegian talents Alf-Inge and Erling Haaland—the phenomenon extends even further. Remarkably, three generations of the Maldini family have all represented Italy. But how many families boast the dual distinction of both father and son scoring on the international stage? BBC Sport explores several such dynasties.

The Koumas Dynasty

It was fitting to start with the Koumas family following Tuesday’s match. Jason Koumas undoubtedly felt immense pride as his 20-year-old son, Lewis, headed in a cross from Neco Williams to rescue a point for Wales against the World Cup-bound Ghanaians.

Lewis, who progressed through the Liverpool academy but never made a first-team appearance for the Reds, is widely expected to become a regular starter for Wales in the coming years. Wearing the special shirt commemorating Wales’ 150th anniversary, Lewis marked a historic night for his family by opening his international scoring record.

His father, Jason, was no stranger to international goalscoring either. He netted 10 times in 34 caps for his country. Twenty-two years before Lewis’ header, Jason scored his first international goal in a 2-1 friendly victory over Hungary in Budapest, doing so at the age of 24. With Wales manager Robert Page viewing Lewis as a future centre-forward and plenty of time on his side, the question remains: could the younger Koumas eventually surpass his father’s tally?

The Wright Brothers

When Ian Wright adopted the son of his then-partner in 1984, few could have foreseen the illustrious careers that awaited both father and son. Ian adopted Shaun Wright-Phillips seven years before Shaun’s England debut in 1991. Ian, a former Premier League Golden Boot winner, went on to score nine goals in 33 appearances for the Three Lions, including his first in a 1994 World Cup qualifier against Poland.

Shaun, however, did not have to wait as long as his father to make an impact. Under manager Sven-Göran Erikson, he announced himself as a half-time substitute in a friendly against Ukraine, scoring a spectacular solo goal in a 3-0 win. This was the first of six international goals for the former Manchester City winger.

Shaun’s younger brother, Bradley Wright-Phillips, seemed poised to become the third Wright to represent England after featuring at the under-20 level. However, the striker never secured a senior cap for the national team.

The Cruyffs and Total Football

Few players have shaped the game as profoundly as Johan Cruyff. Known for Total Football and the eponymous Cruyff Turn, the Dutchman won countless trophies and revolutionized the sport both as a player and a manager for Ajax and Barcelona. Internationally, he was equally formidable, scoring 33 goals in 48 caps for the Netherlands as they captivated the world with their innovative style.

Following such a monumental legacy was a difficult task for his son, Jordi. Although Jordi maintained an impressive career, he never quite matched his father’s reputation. A Premier League winner, Jordi made nine appearances for the Netherlands, scoring his sole international goal in a 2-0 victory over Switzerland at Villa Park during Euro 1996.

Despite stints at Barcelona and Manchester United, Jordi made the majority of his club appearances for Alaves. He did not play for the national team after 1996. While Johan remains a World Cup icon, Jordi has transitioned into management, serving as technical director for Barcelona since 2022 and currently holding the same role at Ajax.