Cristiano Ronaldo's Son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., Makes Portugal Under-15 Squad for the First Time
Cristiano Jr., also known as Cristianinho, has been selected by coach João Santos to join Portugal's 22-player squad for the upcoming Vlatko Marković International Tournament. The tournament is scheduled to take place in Croatia from May 13 to May 18, 2025, with matches against Japan, Greece, and England.
Despite being born in San Diego, California, and spending parts of his childhood in Spain and England, Cristiano Jr.'s decision to represent Portugal underscores his strong connection to his father's homeland.
⚽ Rising Through the Ranks: From Club Youth Systems to International Recognition
Cristiano Jr.'s football journey has seen him develop through the youth academies of several top clubs, including Real Madrid, Juventus, and Manchester United. Currently, he plays for Al-Nassr's youth team in Saudi Arabia, where his father also plays professionally.
At Al-Nassr, he has demonstrated leadership and skill, notably captaining the U13 team to a league title. His impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, leading to his inclusion in the national squad.
👨👦 A Proud Father: Cristiano Ronaldo's Reaction
Cristiano Ronaldo Sr., Portugal's all-time leading scorer with 136 goals in 219 appearances, expressed his pride on social media, sharing the squad announcement with the caption, "Proud of you, son!"
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has previously mentioned his son's aspiration to play alongside him, highlighting the close bond and shared passion for football within the Ronaldo family.
🌍 The Vlatko Marković Tournament: A Platform for Emerging Talent
The Vlatko Marković International Tournament is a prestigious youth competition that brings together some of the world's most promising young footballers. Portugal's participation in this tournament provides Cristiano Jr. with an opportunity to showcase his talents on an international stage and gain valuable experience against top-tier youth teams.
