Cristiano Ronaldo Sr., one of football’s greatest icons, expressed heartfelt pride as his 14-year-old son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., marked his international debut for Portugal’s Under-15 national team in a 4-1 victory against Japan at the Vlatko Marković International Tournament in Croatia. The milestone moment highlights the young Ronaldo’s emerging talent and his potential to follow in his father’s illustrious footsteps.
Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., who plays for Al-Nassr’s academy in Saudi Arabia, entered the match as a substitute in the 54th minute, with Portugal already leading 3-0, thanks to a hat-trick by Braga’s Rafael Cabral. Wearing the iconic number 7 jersey, synonymous with his father’s legacy, the young forward showcased his skills in the attacking third, contributing to Portugal’s dominant performance. The fourth goal, scored late in the game, sealed a convincing win in the tournament’s opening match, setting a strong tone for Portugal’s campaign in the youth competition. The Vlatko Marković Tournament, a prestigious platform for young talents, provides Ronaldo Jr. with an opportunity to gain international experience against teams from Europe and beyond.
The debut caps years of dedication for Ronaldo Jr., who has trained at elite academies, including Real Madrid, Juventus, and Manchester United, following his father’s career moves. His standout record includes scoring 58 goals in a single season for Juventus’ youth team, a testament to his goal-scoring prowess and work ethic. Eligible to represent multiple countries—Portugal, the United States, England, Spain, and Cape Verde due to family ties and residency—Ronaldo Jr. chose Portugal, mirroring his father’s path, who debuted for the U-15 team in 2001 and scored seven goals in nine matches. Al-Nassr, where Ronaldo Sr. has played since January 2023, has nurtured the teenager’s development, with coaches praising his speed, dribbling, and finishing, qualities reminiscent of his father’s early career.
Ronaldo Sr., a five-time Ballon d’Or winner with 901 career goals, has been vocal about his son’s potential, emphasizing discipline and hard work as key to success. The 40-year-old, still active with Al-Nassr and Portugal, attended the match, joined by family members, including his mother, Dolores Aveiro. The debut aligns with Ronaldo Sr.’s legacy of inspiring the next generation, as he continues to break records, including becoming the first player to score in 22 consecutive international tournaments. Portugal’s U-15 team, under coach João Santos, will face three more matches in the tournament, with Ronaldo Jr. expected to play a growing role.