Robinho Junior makes Serie A debut at 18, following in famous father's footsteps

A famous name makes its Serie A bow

Genoa gave a special Serie A debut to Robinho Junior this evening, the teenage son of former Milan, Manchester City and Real Madrid striker Robinho. The 18-year-old was introduced off the bench in the final minutes of the 2-0 defeat to Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.

He followed in the footsteps of his famous father, coming up through the Santos youth academy before making the move to Europe.

Deadline-day move to Genoa

Robinho Junior joined Genoa on deadline day on loan, with an option to buy at the end of the season worth around 8 million euros. The Brazilian had impressed at Primavera youth level, scoring three goals and providing an assist in three appearances, which earned him a promotion to Daniele De Rossi's senior squad.

He had sat on the bench for the 2-1 win over Fiorentina before getting his chance against Roma.

Following his father's path

The debutant's father played for Milan from 2010 to 2014, making his Serie A bow in a 2-0 loss away to Cesena on September 11, 2010. The senior Robinho, now 42, hung up his boots while playing for Santos in October 2020.