Cristiano Ronaldo had a simple message for his son after the teenager took to the international stage for Portugal for the first time as he came off the bench in a tournament in Croatia
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Cristiano Dos Santos
Cristiano Ronaldo's son wore Portugal colours for the first time against Japan
(Image: DAMIR SENCAR/AFP via Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo has congratuled his son after the young star made his international bow for Portugal. The 14-year-old made his debut from the bench for the nation's under-15 side in the Vlatko Markovic international tournament in Croatia.
And already Cristiano Ronaldo Jr was able to flash his talents to a Manchester United scout after featuring against Japan, per reports. The starlet entered the field after 54 minutes and donned the no.7 shirt his father was at home in.
Tottenham were also said to be in attendance at the youth tournament. Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti suggested that Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Hoffenheim, Red Bull Salzburg, Inter Milan, Juventus and Atalanta all had representatives covering the game too.
Ronaldo Jr will be familiar to faces at United having been part of the youth set-up during his father's second spell at the club but currently plays within Al-Nassr's academy. The teenager played alongside Wayne Rooney's son, Kai, while learning his trade at Carrington.
Ronaldo Sr has earned 219 caps in his international career and the 40-year-old was pleased to see his son earn his first minutes of a fledgling career. The Portugal legend was proud of his eldest child.
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Ronaldo wrote: "Congratulations on your debut by @selecaoportugal, son. Very proud of you!"
Ronaldo Jr is in the fairly unique position of being eligible to play for three different nations. After following his dad as he completed transfers around the world, the young star of course qualfies for Portugal through his dad, but qualifies for Spain after spending much of his youth there when Ronaldo played for Real Madrid.
The United States could yet come calling for the teen as Ronaldo Jr was born in California and it is reported he could represent the country as a result. Any desire for an England career can quickly be quashed however as he would have needed to spend five years in the country to qualify.
Cristiano Ronaldo's son made his Portugal debut
Cristiano Ronaldo's son made his international debut for Portugal's under-15 side
Ronaldo Jr trained two years above his age group upon arriving at the Mahd Academy in 2023, and reportedly could have returned to Real Madrid. Perhaps another academy move could be on the cards however.
Ronaldo Sr's future at Al-Nassr appears unclear after talks of a contract extension were "put on hold". The ex-Juventus and United star was tipped to sign a new two-year deal but an underwhelming year from the club appears to have instigated some doubts.
Ronaldo has continued to find success in front of goal but it has not been matched with silverware for Al Nassr. Now talk of move to rival club like Al Hilal, who have qualified for the Club World Cup, has emerged.
Marca claims Ronaldo is questioning his future and after losing 3-2 to table toppers Al-Ittihad last week, the veteran stormed off the pitch. It is said to not be well received by the club's hierarchy.
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