Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, the 15-year-old eldest son of football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, has officially made his international debut for Portugal’s Under-16 national team. This significant milestone occurred during a Federation Cup match where Portugal U16 secured a commanding 2-0 victory against the hosts, Turkey U16. His appearance marks a notable step in the young player’s burgeoning career, as he begins to follow in the footsteps of his illustrious father.
The debut saw Ronaldo Jr enter the fray as a late substitute towards the end of the match. The goals for Portugal’s youth squad were expertly netted by his teammates, Samuel Tavares and Rafael Cabral, each contributing a goal to seal the win. This opening fixture set a positive tone for Portugal U16’s campaign in the Federation Cup.
Currently, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr plies his trade within the youth ranks of Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, the same club where his legendary 40-year-old father continues his professional career. Much like his father, the 15-year-old primarily operates as a forward. His call-up to the U16 squad follows a successful stint earlier this year, where he also represented Portugal at the Under-15 level in a tournament held in Croatia. During that competition, Ronaldo Jr showcased promising form, contributing a goal that helped his team secure the title.
The victory against Turkey U16 was the first of three scheduled matches for the Portuguese side in the Federation Cup. Looking ahead, Portugal U16 is set to face Wales U16 in their next fixture, before concluding their tournament run with a highly anticipated match against England U16.
As his son embarks on his international journey, Cristiano Ronaldo Sr, the captain of the Portuguese national team, continues to pursue new records. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is currently striving to achieve the extraordinary milestone of 1,000 career goals, having already accumulated an impressive 950. The elder Ronaldo, renowned for his two-decade-long career at the pinnacle of football, has also represented Portugal at every youth and senior level throughout his illustrious career. His current contract with Al Nassr extends until 2027.
Cristiano Ronaldo Sr once famously quipped that he would not retire until he had the opportunity to play alongside his son on the same pitch. While many viewed this as a lighthearted remark, the rapid development and dedication shown by Ronaldo Jr suggest that this dream might not be entirely out of reach. By 2027, when his father’s current contract concludes, Ronaldo Jr will be 17 years old – an age at which prodigious talents like Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi made their professional debuts. This convergence of timelines fuels speculation and excitement among football fans about the potential for a truly unique father-son duo in professional football.
