Cristiano Ronaldo's son called up to Portugal U15 team for first time

The 14-year-old forward, currently playing for the Al Nassr youth academy in Saudi Arabia, where his father stars in the Saudi Pro League, was named in coach Joao Santos' 22-man squad for the Vlatko Markovic tournament, which will take place from May 13 to 18, ESPN reported.

Portugal is set to face Japan (May 13), Greece (14th) and England (16th), before a final on May 18.

Ronaldo, who has scored a record 934 career goals, celebrated his son's milestone with an Instagram post, writing: "Proud of my son!"

Cristiano Ronaldo and his son Cristiano Jr. Photo by Instagram/@cristiano

Earlier this year, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner said he hoped to one day share the pitch with his son. In 2022, Ronaldo said that Cristiano Jr. told him to wait a few more years so they can play together.

Ronaldo has made it clear that he will not pressure his son to pursue football and will support him in whatever he does, as long as he’s happy.

Cristiano Jr. began his football journey in Real Madrid’s youth academy during his father’s stint at the Spanish club from 2009 to 2018. He won the 2017 Copa Junior and was the tournament’s top scorer.

After Ronaldo moved to Juventus in 2018, Cristiano Jr. joined the Italian club’s academy, where he impressed immediately, scoring 58 goals and providing 18 assists in just 28 matches during the 2018–2019 season with the U9 team.

He later followed his father to Manchester United in 2021, joining the club’s academy. At just 11 years old, he quickly made his mark, earning an official contract in early 2022 and maintaining an impressive goal-scoring record.

Cristiano Jr. is eligible to represent Portugal, England, Spain, the U.S., or Cape Verde, but has chosen to follow in his father’s footsteps by joining Portugal’s youth team.

Ronaldo himself made his debut for Portugal U15 team in 2001, scoring in a match against South Africa, a moment that marked the beginning of one of the most decorated careers in football history.