Cristiano Ronaldo has extended warm congratulations to his son following the young talent’s introduction to Portugal’s international stage. The 14-year-old budding footballer made quite an impression, stepping off the bench for the nation’s under-15 team during the Vlatko Markovic international tourney in Croatia.
Already dazzling observers, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr caught the eye of a Manchester United scout after taking to the pitch against Japan, as reports have indicated. Gracing the match at the 54-minute mark, he sported the iconic No.7 shirt that his father so famously adorned.
Watching from the sidelines were also scouts from Tottenham and, according to Croatian publication Sportske Novosti, a string of top European clubs such as Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Hoffenheim, Red Bull Salzburg, Inter Milan, Juventus, and Atalanta, all keenly observing the action.
United fans may recognize Ronaldo Jr from his time at the club’s youth academy during CR7’s return stint at Old Trafford; however, the youngster is now honing his skills with Al-Nassr’s academy. Interestingly, he shared his developmental journey at Carrington with Kai, the son of United legend Wayne Rooney.
Ronaldo Sr, a seasoned veteran of 219 international caps, expressed immense pride over his son commencing his own journey in football. The 40-year-old Portuguese icon took great pleasure in witnessing his offspring’s inaugural minutes on the field.
The proud father shared his sentiments online: “Congratulations on your debut by @selecaoportugal, son. Very proud of you!”
Ronaldo Jr finds himself in the unique position of being eligible to represent three different nations in football. Thanks to his father’s illustrious career, he qualifies for Portugal, while his time spent in Spain during Ronaldo’s tenure at Real Madrid also makes him eligible for the Spanish national team.
The United States could also be an option for the young talent, as he was born in California. However, any hopes of representing England can be swiftly dismissed, as he would have needed to reside in the country for five years to qualify.
Upon joining the Mahd Academy in 2023, Ronaldo Jr trained with players two years his senior and there were rumours of a potential return to Real Madrid. Another move to a different academy might be on the horizon.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo Sr’s future at Al-Nassr seems uncertain after contract extension talks were “put on hold”. The former Juventus and Manchester United star was expected to sign a new two-year deal, but a disappointing season for the club has cast doubt on this.
Despite Ronaldo’s continued goal-scoring prowess, it hasn’t translated into trophies for Al Nassr. Now, there are whispers of a possible move to rival club Al Hilal, who have qualified for the Club World Cup.
According to Marca, Ronaldo is contemplating his future following a 3-2 defeat to league leaders Al-Ittihad last week, which saw him storm off the pitch – a reaction that reportedly didn’t sit well with the club’s hierarchy.