On May 13, 2025, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., the 14-year-old son of football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, made his debut for Portugal’s Under-15 national team. The match, part of the Vlatko Markovic international tournament in Croatia, saw Portugal defeat Japan 4-1. Ronaldo Jr. entered the game in the 54th minute, wearing the number 7 jersey, just like his famous father.
Ronaldo Jr. took to the field as a left-winger, a position his father played for much of his career. It was a proud moment for the Ronaldo family, and the sight of the 14-year-old in the same jersey that his father wore for years was symbolic of the legacy he is stepping into.
Cristiano’s mother, Maria Dolores, was present to watch her grandson’s debut. Her presence highlighted the significance of the moment, and the joy was clear for everyone involved.
After the match, Cristiano Ronaldo posted a message on social media, expressing his pride. “Congratulations on your debut for @portugal, son. So proud of you!” he wrote. The post was met with many supportive messages from fans, some of whom shared the sentiment of seeing the next generation of the Ronaldo family take to the international stage.
Ronaldo Jr. has been developing his skills in youth academies for years, first at Manchester United and Juventus, where his father made his mark in Europe. Currently, he plays for Al-Nassr’s youth team in Saudi Arabia, a club his father joined in 2023. While this debut is an exciting moment, it is just one chapter in what looks to be a promising future for the young talent.
Portugal’s Under-15 team is still in the tournament, and Ronaldo Jr. will likely have more chances to showcase his skills in upcoming matches against teams like Greece and England. This tournament is a chance for him to prove himself on a bigger stage and continue to make a name for himself.
Cristiano Ronaldo has always spoken highly of his son’s talent and hinted that he would love to play alongside him one day. While that may not happen immediately, Ronaldo Jr. is certainly on his way to building his own career. He is starting to make his own path in football, following in the footsteps of one of the game’s greatest players, but also carving out his own identity as a footballer.
