The Beginning of a Shared Dream

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr made his debut this Thursday with Portugal’s U16 national team in the Copa das Federações, a tournament running from October 30 to November 4. The young forward, currently part of Al-Nassr’s academy, is following in his father’s footsteps while beginning to write his own story in the national colors.

At just 14 years old, the eldest son of the Portuguese superstar already shows the same competitive spirit that has defined Cristiano Ronaldo’s career — who, at 40, continues to shine in Saudi Arabia. His contract with Al-Nassr runs until 2027, when his son will be 17, the same age other prodigies like Lamine Yamal or Leo Messi made their professional debuts.

“It’s More in His Hands Than in Mine”

In several interviews, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has confessed his dream of sharing the field with his son, though without becoming obsessed with it: “I’d love to play with him, but it’s not something that keeps me up at night. It’s more in his hands than in mine. Time goes by, and one day I’ll have to stop.”

Far from being a fantasy, that possibility is slowly taking shape. At Al-Nassr’s youth academy, Cristiano Jr has earned respect for his strength, pace, and technical ability — traits that inevitably recall his father.

Competitive DNA

“He’s very competitive, just like I was as a kid. He hates losing, and I love that,” Cristiano Ronaldo told DAZN. “He’s got a great physique, he’s fast, skillful, and has a great shot. I don’t want to pressure him — I just want to support him.”

The generational dream is underway. Father and son share not only a name but a passion — and a destiny: goals. And although “Cristianinho’s” journey is only beginning, his story already carries the spark of legend.