Despite an outstanding record of 33 goals in 38 matches, Al Nassr has struggled to achieve major success, finishing outside the Saudi Pro League’s top three and missing AFC Champions League qualification.
These lackluster results have reportedly paused contract renewal discussions with star player Cristiano Ronaldo, sparking rumors that the Portuguese legend may be planning to leave the Saudi club.
As speculation grows about Cristiano Ronaldo’s next move from Al Nassr, the football world is also focusing on his 14-year-old son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. The young star has already made waves in the youth academies of top clubs, following his father’s path across European teams and now shining at Al Nassr’s youth academy.
If Ronaldo decides to exit Al Nassr this season, Ronaldo Jr.’s next club could depend on factors like his father’s destination, his personal development, and his eligibility to represent various countries.
Background of Ronaldo Jr. and Factors Influencing His Club Choice
Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. has been immersed in football since childhood, training in the academies of elite clubs where his father has played. Now at Al Nassr’s youth setup, Ronaldo Jr. shows signs of inheriting his father’s goal-scoring talent and ambition, with Ronaldo noting his son’s desire to surpass him. However, any move would prioritize Ronaldo Jr.’s growth and happiness, as his father emphasizes supporting his choices without pressure.
If Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Al Nassr, several factors could shape Ronaldo Jr.’s next club. So far, he has followed his father’s career, training in the youth systems of top European clubs. Before joining Al Nassr in October 2023, he honed his skills at academies of prestigious teams like Real Madrid, Juventus, and Manchester United. His familiarity with these environments could ease a return, especially to Real Madrid, known for nurturing players’ children in their youth program.
Ronaldo Jr.’s eligibility to play for multiple nationsPortugal, Spain, England, the USA, and Cape Verdedue to his birthplace, residency, and heritage could influence his options. Cristiano Sr. has expressed a wish to play alongside his son someday, which might extend his career and impact their club choice.
Top Club Options for Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.
Real Madrid Youth Academy
Real Madrid is a top contender for Ronaldo Jr., given Ronaldo’s iconic tenure at the club, where he scored a record 451 goals. Ronaldo Jr. previously trained in Real Madrid’s youth academy during his father’s time there. If Ronaldo Sr. returns to Real Madrid in any role, Ronaldo Jr. could rejoin their prestigious youth system. Spain’s competitive youth setup and Ronaldo Jr.’s eligibility for Spanish citizenship make this a strong option.
Sporting CP Youth Academy
Sporting CP, Cristiano Ronaldo’s boyhood club, holds deep sentimental value. Ronaldo Jr. has yet to play in Sporting’s youth academy, but a move to Lisbon could be poetic if Ronaldo Sr. chooses to end his career where it started. The club’s youth program, one of Portugal’s best, has produced stars like Luis Figo and Ronaldo himself. Joining Sporting would connect Ronaldo Jr. to his Portuguese roots and offer a high-quality development environment with less pressure than other elite clubs.
Al Hilal Youth System
If Cristiano Ronaldo stays in the Saudi Pro League by joining rivals Al Hilal, as recent reports suggest, Ronaldo Jr. could continue his development in Saudi Arabia. Al Hilal, the league’s most successful club with 19 titles, offers robust facilities and a chance for Ronaldo Sr. to pursue the Saudi Pro League title and AFC Champions League, goals unachieved with Al Nassr. Staying in Saudi Arabia would ensure family stability while allowing Ronaldo Jr. to refine his skills in a familiar setting.
As an emerging MLS club, San Diego FC has been mentioned as a potential destination for Ronaldo Sr., given Ronaldo Jr.’s U.S. birthplace, but its youth system is still developing, making it less likely unless the family prioritizes a U.S. return. Al Nassr has offered Ronaldo Sr. a two-year contract extension, which could keep the family in Saudi Arabia, allowing Ronaldo Jr. to progress in their youth ranks and potentially debut alongside his father.