Cristiano Ronaldo Jr Earns First Portugal Call-Up, Dad ‘Proud’.
A new chapter in the Ronaldo legacy has begun, as Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, aged just 14, has received his first call-up to Portugal’s under-15 national team. The milestone has left his father, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, beaming with pride.
A Rising Star
Following in his father’s illustrious footsteps, Cristiano Jr has already made waves in youth football, turning out for academies at Juventus, Manchester United, and currently Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. His latest achievement sees him selected for Portugal’s under-15 squad, set to compete at the Vlatko Markovic International Tournament in Croatia from 13 to 18 May.
Eligible to represent Spain or the USA, the young Ronaldo has chosen to don the red and green jersey of his father’s homeland. He joins a talented group of prospects from clubs like Porto, Braga, and Tottenham, having reportedly caught the eye of coaches by excelling above his age group at Saudi Arabia’s Mahd Academy.
A Father’s Pride
Cristiano Ronaldo Sr, still a force on the pitch at 40, shared his delight on Instagram, posting: “Proud of you, son!” Despite the weight of the Ronaldo name, the football icon has emphasised giving his son the freedom to carve his own path. In a previous interview, he said, “Cristiano [Jr] wants to be a football player, but I don’t put big pressure on him. He’s 14, and he already has pressure being my son. Let him make his own mistakes.”
Ronaldo added, “If he doesn’t become a player, maybe he’ll choose another job, but I’ll always support him. We cannot put pressure on our sons because we are famous.”
A Bright Future
Cristiano Jr’s recent performances, including a starring role in Al-Nassr’s under-13 side during a 6-0 rout of Al Qadsiah in October 2023, suggest he’s inherited his father’s flair. As he steps onto the international stage, the football world will be watching closely to see if the Ronaldo legacy continues to shine.
For now, the young star has a proud father and a nation behind him as he embarks on this exciting journey.