Proud Father Emile Heskey Reflects on Sons’ Journey in Manchester City’s Academy
Emile Heskey, former England striker, has expressed his pride in the promising football careers of his sons, Jaden and Reigan Heskey, who are excelling in Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad (EDS). Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Heskey shared insights on their progress and what lies ahead for the talented brothers.
A Family Legacy in Football
“My youngest son has scored his first professional goal at 16 – I scored mine at 17, so he’s already beat me!” Heskey remarked proudly.
Jaden (18) and Reigan (16) recently partnered in the UEFA Youth League, helping Manchester City’s Under-19s secure an emphatic 6-1 victory over Feyenoord. Reigan, a winger, netted twice, while Jaden, the team captain, led from midfield. Jaden was also on the pitch when Reigan scored his first professional goal in an EFL Trophy match against Grimsby Town in October.
“It’s their career, not mine,” Emile emphasized. “I just guided them to enjoy the game when they were younger. Football is about fun at the start, but then it becomes work, and you need discipline. They’ve grown up in that environment.”
Following in City Stars’ Footsteps
The Heskey brothers aspire to emulate Manchester City graduates like Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Taylor Harwood-Bellis. They also carry the weight of their father’s legacy, who earned 67 England caps and famously scored in the 2002 World Cup and during the iconic 5-1 win over Germany in 2001.
“What my dad did was incredible,” Jaden said. “There is some pressure, people will compare him to us. The main thing is to not try and listen to it. It’s not under our control, so we try not to let it affect us.”
Jaden Heskey: Ready for the Next Step?
Jaden has already caught Pep Guardiola’s attention, joining Manchester City’s pre-season squad in the U.S. and making an unofficial debut against Barcelona.
Emile believes Jaden is prepared for first-team football but suggests a loan move might be the next logical step. “Whether it’s City’s first team, I’m not sure, but he’s definitely ready for a first team,” he said.
“The good thing about Under-21s football is the EFL Trophy exposure. He’s played against first-team players, understood the intensity, and coped well. A loan in January could be ideal, but that’s up to the club.”
Reigan Heskey: A Rising Star at 16
Meanwhile, Reigan has been making waves at various youth levels. He marked his debut for City’s Under-21s with a hat-trick and an assist against Norwich City in Premier League 2 earlier this season, despite being just 16.
He has also been prolific in the Under-18 Premier League, tallying eight goals and five assists in just eight games. “Reigan has done really well. This is his first season of full-time football, and he’s adapting to the intensity of training and matches,” Emile said.
“He’s scoring goals at different levels – 18s, 19s, and now 21s. Whether he’s ready for first-team football, we don’t know yet. He’s still young and hasn’t been thrown into the deep end.”
Coaching and Future Prospects
Emile Heskey has also stepped into coaching, assisting Macclesfield FC under manager Robbie Savage. As he watches his sons grow, he remains a supportive figure, ready to guide them when needed but confident in Manchester City’s renowned academy system.
“City’s academy is producing players all over the country. They have everything mapped out for the boys, and I trust their process,” he concluded.
With their father’s guidance and Manchester City’s expertise, the Heskey brothers seem destined to make their mark on football’s biggest stages.
