An apple doesn’t fall far away from the tree!

It is not uncommon for children to follow in their parents’ footsteps, especially in sports. Renowned athletes like Stephen Curry (son of Dell Curry), Dwayne Johnson (son of Rocky Johnson), and Klay Thompson (son of Mychal Thompson) are a few leading examples of people who are not only tuned with their parents’ careers but also excelled higher than them. However, being the children of celebrity athletes is not always a piece of cake. They have to live under constant scrutiny, comparisons, and harsh criticisms. But when they are performing, it always keeps everyone on the edge of their seat. It is truly a circle of life moment for both fans and athletic parents.

Today, we have a new generation of athletic kids joining their parents' games. Meet the athletic children (in no particular order) who are rekindling their parents’ glory. Who knows? Some of them might be better than their predecessors!

16. Daniel Maldini - Paolo Maldini Son, Soccer

Daniel Maldini is a professional player for Serie A club AC Milan. Son of former AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini, Daniel made his pro soccer debut in 2020. Playing as a free-roaming attacking midfielder, Daniel is also playing under Italy’s Under 20 team. Besides, he has even won an international cap for Italy at both the Under 18 and Under 19 levels.

In 2022, he won the Serie A championship - just like his dad and grandad. 

5. Bronny James - Lebron James Son, Basketball

Son of a billionaire and four-time NBA Championship MVP, Bronny James can easily spend his whole life without any trouble. Nonetheless, Bronny has chosen to follow his father’s path of hard work. He started training at a very young age and was already receiving scholarship offers from different colleges at just 10 years old! Currently, the 6 feet and 3 inches smooth hooper attends the Sierra Canyon School in Los Angeles, where has been deemed better than most players of his age. Just like his dad, he wears jersey no.23 and is destined for further greatness.

1. Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr - Serena Williams Daughter, Tennis

At just 4 years old, Olympia is already making strides as a Tennis prodigy. Though Williams was hesitant to let her daughter pick up the racquet at first, the sport became their only resort amid the COVID-19 pandemic. During her interview with Stephen Colbert in 2021, Williams said, “I wouldn’t naturally put her in it, but if that was something that she wanted to, I would absolutely be like, “Oh, my gosh, you should totally do that.” Since then, Olympia is busy twinning with her mother - from her Tennis stance to her Tennis clothes. 

Williams describes her only child as a “perfectionist on the court”. Nonetheless, the 23 times grand slam winner does realize her daughter may feel “a little dab of pressure” to establish herself in the sport.

2. Charlie Woods - Tiger Woods Son, Golf

There is barely anyone in the sporting world who may not recognize Tiger Woods. With 18 World Golf Championship titles under his name, Woods was also a recipient of the 2019 Presidential Medal of Freedom. When he is not playing for himself, Tiger is busy in the course caddying his son, Charlie Woods. Apparently, Charlie is already more talented compared to Tiger at the same age.

He is cool, calm, composed, and better at handling pressure than most adults. In 2022, Charlie finished second at the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour with shooting rounds of 75 and 72. Similarly, the 13 years old impressed everyone with his father-like skills and mannerism during the 2021 PNC Championship (Team Woods finished as runner-ups). In fact, the official PGA Tour Twitter account even posted a video compilation of the father-son duo sharing a similar swagger on the gold course. 

3. Shareef O’Neal - Shaquille O’ Neal Son, Basketball

Unlike other names on the list, Shareef was not born with an innate love for basketball. The son of a four-time NBA Champion was more into professional skating as a child. However, everything changed after an upsetting performance at a middle school basketball game. After the game, Shareef vowed on the court “to prove everybody wrong” and rigorously began training for the game. 

Today, Shareef is just one step away from becoming a professional NBA player. He is already blessed with 6 feet and 10 inches in height, which he probably gets from his 7 foot 1-inch dad. Likewise, Shareef played his last season for Lousiana State University, the same college where his father played basketball. During his 14 games, young O’Neal averaged 2.9 points and 2.1 rebounds. On June 6, 2022, he announced his name for the 2022 NBA draft.

4. Cristiano Ronaldo Jr - Cristiano Ronaldo Son, Soccer 

Also known as “Cristianinho” or “Little Ronaldo” Ronaldo Jr is forging himself worthy of the name. A spitting reflection of his dad in both looks and games, Ronaldo Jr currently plays as a forward for Manchester United under 12s team. He even went viral after copying his father’s iconic “siuuu” celebration after scoring a goal against EF Girones Sabat during a youth tournament in Spain. 

Prior to playing for the Red Devils, Ronaldo Jr used to play for Juventus’ youth team.  During an interview, while the family was residing in Turin, Ronaldo quoted, “I hope that Cris, my son, can be like his dad. He says he is going to be better [than me], but I think it's difficult.” Though it is still highly debatable if Jr can reach the same glory as a father, it doesn't seem impossible.

The wealthiest soccer player and one of the best in his generation, Cris Jr aims to follow in dad's boots and fame.

6. Romeo Beckham- David Beckham Son, Soccer

While Romeo gets his modeling genes from his mother, he inherits his athletic DNA from his father. The 19 years old turned professional footballer in 2021 after signing the contract with USL League One club Fort Lauderdale CF. He played his first match on September 19, 2021, in a 2-2 draw match against Tormenta FC. 

Since his pro debut, Romeo is only showcasing consistent growth. A right-wing like his father, Romeo made headlines after securing three assists in one game against Philadelphia Union II. Meanwhile, David is absolutely supportive of his son’s career - so much so that he transformed the family's tennis court into a Soccer pitch.

7. Harper Beckham - David Beckham Daughter, Soccer

Another Beckham progeny!

Among all the Beckham siblings, Harper was the first to show an inclination towards soccer - even before big brother Romeo. In a 2018 interview with Graham Norton, dad David proudly talked about Harper’s love for the sport. He stated, “Harper is playing every Sunday and loves it. The boys don’t play and it’s heartbreaking.” In 2020, the former England and Manchester United midfielder even captured Harper in action while kicking a ball. He shared the picture on his Instagram with the caption “Bend it like Harper”. 

8. Max Johnson - Brad Johnson Son, Football

A quarterback at Texas A&M, Max plays the same position as his pro-NFL father. He was a four-star high school recruit, who won the title of Georgia 4A Offensive Player of the Year. He spent his freshman and sophomore season at Louisiana State University, where he finished with 2,814 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions in the latter season. In 2021, he announced that he will transfer to Texas A & M.  

Whilst, father Bard Johnson recognizes his parental bounds despite being a Superbowl winner. Apparently, Brad didn't give much advice to his son prior to his debut start against Florida. In an interview, Brad quoted “Sometimes you can say too much as a parent. I wanted to stay out of his head and let him go play.”

9. Zaire Wade - Dwyane Wade Son, Basketball

Zaire Wade is the eldest son of 13 times NBA All-star and former Miami Heat legend, Dwyane Wade. He was a three-star high school recruit and received scholarship offers from several colleges including Toledo, DePaul, Rhode Island, and Nebraska. However, contrary to his father, the 18 years old decided to skip college and chose a professional career instead. He has already gained experience as an NBA G League player, playing for Salt Lake City Stars from 2021-2022. Throughout his 12 games for the team, he averaged 1.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. On June 20, 2022, Zaire even completed his first NBA Workout with the Spurs.

10. Simone Johnson - Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson's Daughter, Wrestling

Before he was the highest-paid actor in the world, Dwayne Johnson had 8 years of a successful career as a WWE wrestler. Now, his eldest child, Simone Johnson, is keeping up the family torch as a fourth-gen wrestler. She was signed by WWE in 2020 but is still awaiting her official entrance in the ring due to a knee injury.

Speaking about Simone in Jimmy Fallon, Dwayne praised his daughter, “It blows my mind. First of all, what an honor that my daughter wants to follow in my footsteps”. He further added, “she actually wants to create and blaze her own path, which is just so important." In fact, Simone wants to be more than just “The Rock’s daughter”. In 2022, she even changed her Twitter name to Ava Raine.

11. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. - Vladimir Guerrero Son, Baseball

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is another instance of aptronym (a name suited to the person) in the list. But unlike others in this record,  Guerrero Jr. has already made a name in the Sports industry. He is a professional MLB player, signed by Toronto Blue Jays in April 2019. He finished his 2021 season batting .311/.401/.601 and led in runs scored with 123 runs under his stats. He became the youngest person in the All-Star Game history to be nominated and voted as the MVP in the same season. In 2022, he signed a contract worth $7.9 million USD with the Blue Jays.

12. Kai Rooney - Wayne Rooney Son, Soccer

One might doubt Kai Rooney as a product of nepotism. But, the 12-year-old achieved it all by himself. After his son sealed the deal with United, Wayne said, “He went on trial with Manchester United and he's impressed the coaches. He signed his forms yesterday so I'm delighted for him.”

Kai is as lethal as his father when it comes to goal scoring. He currently plays for the Manchester United Under 12s team along with Ronaldo Jr. Kai finished an impressive 2021/22 season with 56 goals and 28 assists for the Red Devils. If he retains the same pace, he might break his father’s record as United’s all-time leading goal scorer (253 goals in 13 years) in no time.

13. EJ Smith - Emmitt Smith Son, Football 

Emmitt Smith is a former NFL player, whose career spawned for 15 years. He spent 13 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and the final 2 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, before officially retiring in 2004. After years of distance from the game, Emmitt was once again tied with the game during his son’s, E.J. Smith, college announcement in 2019.

Contrary to his Florida graduate father, E.J. is committed to playing for Stanford University. Supporting his son’s decision, Emmitt said, “At the end of the day, my son has his own journey. And it is his journey, not my journey." In 2021, E.J finished his season with 133 yards and 1 touchdown.

14. Scotty Pippen Jr. - Scottie Pippen Son, Basketball

Another hooper on the list! Seems like NBA players have the strongest athletic genes.

Scotty Pippen Jr attended the Sierra Canyon School, where he averaged 16.3 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game. He was offered scholarships by different universities including Washington State, Colorado State, and San Francisco. He eventually committed to playing for Vanderbilt Commodores. During his junior year, he averaged 20.4 points, 4.5 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game. In 2022, Pippen jr announced his name for the NBA draft. 

15. Isaac Drogba - Didier Drogba Son, Soccer

Didier Drogba is a retired soccer striker, who is best known for his Chelsea career and captainship of Ivory Coast’s national team. His eldest son, Isaac Drogba, is now following his lead. In 2021, Isaac scored his first professional goal in Serie D side Caratese. Later, he moved to Portugal to join B-team Academica. Though the 21-year-old initially impressed everyone at the club with his amazing skills, he apparently took time off to focus on his studies and has not been back on the training ground since then. Nonetheless, Isaac could be a late bloomer like his father, who was signed to Chelsea at 26 years old. 

17. Amanda Salzgeber - Rainer Salzgeber, Anita Wachter, Skiing 

Amanda Slazgeber grew up with not just one, but two former world-class skiers. 

Amanda lived up to the hype when she debuted at the 2020 Youth Olympic Games in Lausanne. She is the daughter of Rainer Salzgeber (1993 World Champion silver medalist) and Anita Wachter (1988 Olympic combined champion). The blend of two, Amanda impressed everyone after bagging gold in combined and bronze in giant slalom and parallel mixed team events. Nonetheless, the Austrian has bigger aspirations of representing her country in the Olympics.

18. Will Koch - Bill Koch Son, Skiing

“I don’t really see it that way myself. I just think it’s really cool to have him as a person in my life. It’s more of an opportunity than a burden.” This is how the son of former Olympian, World champion, and inventor of cross-country skiing technique, Will Koch, feels about his father.

Will is slowly escaping from his father’s shadow. The 20 years old is currently attending the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he is involved in the college’s skiing team. As a freshman, he finished his season-best, taking seventh and earning second-team All-American honors at the NCAA Championships. In the 2020 Youth Olympics’s 10km classical event, Will earned bronze on the same track in Luisaine where his father won a World Cup in 1982. 

19. Larry Allen Jr - Larry Allen Son, Football

Larry Allen Jr is a 6 feet 4 inches giant, who played for the Harvard Crimson football team. Following his father’s legacy, Allen Jr. also played as a guard for the team. His dreams finally came true when the Dallas Cowboys signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2019. After the singing, Allen Jr couldn’t keep his emotions bottled up and said, “Not just getting a shot to play, but I lived in Dallas for a long time so if there was one team to get a chance with it, it was them.”

20. Drew East - Shawn Johnson East Daughter, Gymnastics

Drew East is the youngest one to make a cut on our list. While kids of her age are learning to do basic things, 2 years old Drew has already made her beam balance debut. In 2021, Shawn shared a clip of her daughter while on gymnastic equipment and captioned the video, “Babies first time on the balance beam".