Cristiano Ronaldo’s son has earned a maiden call-up to the Portugal U16 squad, with the talented teenager continuing his impressive rise through the youth ranks with club and country. Cristiano Jr is, like his superstar father, currently on the books of Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. Eye-catching performances in the Middle East are allowing international selections to be earned.
Tournament action for Ronaldo Jr
Ronaldo Jr could have been forgiven for wanting to steer clear of professional football, given the exploits of his legendary dad. He will forever be following in the most illustrious of footsteps, with inevitable comparisons becoming impossible to avoid. The 15-year-old is, however, ready to tread his own path.
The youngster, who is known as Cristianinho in Portugal, is one of 22 players to have been called upon for the upcoming Federations Cup. That competition, which will have an U16 event, is due to take place in Antalya, Turkey, between October 30 and November 4. It will be the second tournament that Ronaldo Jr has graced.
AdvertisementGettyRonaldo Jr played alongside Kai Rooney at Man Utd
He made his international bow at the Vlatko Markovic Tournament in Croatia after being included in Portugal’s U15 squad for the first time. He made quite the impression there, bagging a brace in a final showdown with the host nation. Cristianinho is seemingly happy to operate under the brightest of spotlights.
He lined up for Portugal in Croatia on the left wing – which is a position that his father operated in for Sporting and Manchester United before being transformed into arguably the greatest goalscorer that the world has ever seen.
Ronaldo Jr also sported the No.7 shirt, with his dad having worn the same jersey with distinction across spells with United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al-Nassr – while also filling it on a regular basis while earning 225 caps for Portugal and scoring 143 goals.
Cristianinho has followed his father around the world, forming part of academy systems at Juve and Al-Nassr. He also once lined up alongside Wayne Rooney’s son Kai in the fabled youth ranks at Premier League giants Manchester United. There are high hopes for both of those hot prospects.
No pressure! CR7 allowing son to tread his own path
Ronaldo Snr has tried to avoid putting too much pressure on his eldest child, with it important that he learns from his own mistakes and naturally develops the hunger to succeed. CR7 has said: “He’s a good kid. The other ones are more tougher, the small ones at home. This one is no problem. When I was his age, he is a little bit bigger and stronger. I was smaller. I think he will be bigger than me. Let’s see if he has the hunger. The hunger is the most difficult.”
Ronaldo added during a discussion with ex-United team-mate Rio Ferdinand: “Right in this moment, Cristiano wants to be a football player but I don't make big pressure, I make a little. He has pressure already to be the son of Cristiano [senior]. Let him do his own mistakes, but I hope that in the future he can be a professional player. If he doesn't become a player, maybe another job, but I will always support him. We cannot put pressure on our sons because we are famous.”
Getty/InstagramWill Ronaldo play alongside his son before retiring?
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo has not ruled out playing alongside his son at some stage. He is now 40 years of age, but has committed to a new two-year contract at Al-Nassr, which could put him in contention to figure in the same game that sees Junior make his professional debut.
CR7 has said: “I would like it, I would like it. It's not something that keeps me up at night, but I would like it. We'll see. It's more in his hands than in mine. The years are starting to pass and obviously Cris will have to, one day, leave football, because the years I'm extending… There will come a time when it's no longer possible. Not only physically but psychologically.
“But I also don't see it as an obsession. He will follow his path, his trajectory. I will be a proud father, I will be proud of whatever he wants to do. If he plays, 'top'. If he doesn't play, we tried. At least his father tried hard. But it won't be a problem either, in my opinion.”