Ronaldo’s Son Makes Portugal Debut, Dad is Proud

Cristiano Ronaldo’s eldest son, Cristiano Ronaldo Junior, took a major step in his young football journey by making his debut for Portugal’s Under-15 national team. The memorable moment came on Tuesday during the Vlatko Markovic international tournament in Croatia, where Portugal claimed a solid 4-1 win against Japan.

Ronaldo Jr., who is just 14 years old, currently plays as a forward for the Al Nassr academy in Saudi Arabia — the same club where his father now stars. The youngster was brought on as a substitute in the 54th minute, entering the game with Portugal already in a strong 3-0 lead. All three of those early goals came from Braga’s talented forward, Rafael Cabral.

Wearing the iconic No. 7 jersey — a number made famous by his father throughout his remarkable football career — Ronaldo Jr. didn’t find the back of the net in his debut match. But even without a goal, the occasion held deep symbolic meaning. It marked the continuation of a football legacy and showed that Cristiano Jr. is beginning to take real steps on a path shaped by one of the sport’s greatest ever players.

Cristiano Ronaldo Sr., who turned 40 this year and is still playing professionally, expressed his emotions about the special moment on social media. “Congratulations on your Portugal debut, son. Very proud of you,” he wrote, sharing several photos of his son in action. The simple message, paired with the powerful images, quickly went viral, resonating with fans all over the world who have supported Ronaldo’s career for over two decades.

Ronaldo Jr.’s selection to the Portugal U15 national team came just last week, making his debut appearance even more impressive. The match against Japan was the first of four games scheduled for Portugal in the tournament. Next, the team will face Greece, followed by a match against England on Friday. Their final match is set for Sunday, although the opponent is yet to be determined.

The teenager’s rise has been closely followed by football enthusiasts and media alike. Being the son of Cristiano Ronaldo brings a great deal of attention and pressure, but Ronaldo Jr. has shown signs that he is determined to forge his own identity in the sport. His decision to wear the No. 7 shirt — the same number worn by his father for clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Portugal — added extra excitement to his debut.

Despite being in the early stages of his career, Ronaldo Jr. has already spent time training with some top youth setups, including stints with Juventus’ youth team and now Al Nassr’s academy. Coaches and insiders have spoken highly of his work ethic and natural talent. His journey is still in its infancy, but his involvement with the national team at such a young age shows that the Portuguese Football Federation sees strong potential in him.

As Ronaldo Jr. continues to grow and develop, comparisons to his father will be inevitable. However, the teenager is starting to show that he is more than just the son of a football icon. With his debut now behind him, and several more matches to come in this tournament, all eyes will be on how he performs next.

For now, though, the focus remains on the joy and pride of a father watching his son wear the national colors and begin a journey that could one day follow in his famous footsteps.