Cristiano Jr.’s first call-up to Portugal’s Under-15 squad on Tuesday launched what could be football’s most captivating father-son succession tale.
Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr junior academy’s 14-year-old attacker will join Portugal for a tournament in Croatia this past month, facing Japan, Greece, and England in his debut international match. Portugal captain Ronaldo, 40, tweeted, “Proud of you, son,” sharing the selection announcement.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who led Portugal to the 2016 European Championship triumph, set a world record with 136 goals in 219 internationals and will watch his eldest son follow suit with paternal pride.
Before coming to Saudi Arabia with his family, Ronaldo Jr. played in the youth teams of Real Madrid, Juventus, and Manchester United just like his father.
Ronaldo Jr. scored 58 goals in Italy, and videos of him imitating his father’s ‘Siu’ celebration at Al-Nassr have gone viral. Ronaldo revealed in 2022 that his son wanted to play with him. “My son says, ‘Dad, hold on a few more years, I want to play with you!'” he said.
Ronaldo Jr. was born in the US and spent much of his youth in Spain, making him eligible for three nations. Portugal’s call-up suggests his future international loyalty.
Ronaldo Jr.’s admission in Portugal’s under-15 squad might be the start of a generational succession that makes headlines in a country influenced by his father’s two-decade rule.
