‘Very proud of you’: Ronaldo hails son’s Portugal debut

Cristiano Ronaldo's eldest son, Cristiano Ronaldo Junior, made his debut for Portugal Under-15s on Tuesday in a 4-1 win over Japan at the Vlatko Markovic international tournament in Croatia.

The 14-year-old forward, who plays for Al Nassr's academy, came on as a substitute in the 54th minute with Portugal already leading 3-0, thanks to a hat-trick from Braga's Rafael Cabral. Ronaldo Jr wore the iconic No. 7 shirt, the same number his father famously wore during his glittering career.

There were no goals from the young forward this time, but the moment was no less symbolic — a son following in the gilded footsteps of a father who has written chapter after chapter in football's history books.

"Congratulations on your Portugal debut, son. Very proud of you," Ronaldo Sr, now 40, wrote on social media, sharing photos of his son in action. The message — short, heartfelt, and heavy with meaning — struck a chord with millions of fans around the globe who have watched the Ronaldo legacy unfold over the past two decades.

Ronaldo Jr, currently part of the Al Nassr academy in Saudi Arabia, had received his maiden national call-up just last week. Tuesday's match against Japan was the first of four games Portugal U15s will play in the tournament. They face Greece next, followed by England on Friday, and conclude on Sunday against a yet-to-be-determined opponent.

Though still in his early teens, Ronaldo Jr's journey now carries the weight of a famous name and boundless expectation. But if Tuesday's debut is any sign, the boy who wore No. 7 is already carving his own path — with his father cheering from the sidelines.