Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed pride in his son after Cristiano Ronaldo Jr made his debut for Portugal’s Under-15 team during an international youth tournament in Croatia.
The 14-year-old came on in the 54th minute of Portugal’s 4-1 victory over Japan on Tuesday, wearing the iconic number seven jersey long associated with his father.
Ronaldo Jr’s appearance was witnessed by his grandmother, Dolores Aveiro, while scouts from Manchester United and several top European clubs were reportedly present to observe the young talent.
Ronaldo Sr, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner and all-time leading scorer in men’s international football with 136 goals, took to Instagram to celebrate the moment:
“Congratulations on your debut for Portugal, son. Very proud of you.”
Before Ronaldo Jr entered the pitch, Rafael Cabral netted a hat-trick for Portugal.
Ronaldo Jr currently plays for Al-Nassr’s youth team in Saudi Arabia, where his father signed with the senior squad in 2022. The elder Ronaldo, now 40, famously led Portugal to their first major title at Euro 2016 and followed it with a UEFA Nations League triumph in 2019.
Portugal U15s are participating in the Vlatko Markovic tournament and are scheduled to face Greece on Wednesday and England on Friday.
Ronaldo Sr has four other children: twins Eva and Mateo, Alana Martina, and Bella.
