New Delhi: Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo’s eldest son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr made his debut for the Portugal U15 team on Tuesday, May 14. Ronaldo Jr made his U15 debut in Portugal’s clash against Japan in the Vlatko Markovic International Tournament, which is currently underway in Croatia.
The 14-year-old, who plays as a winger, came on as a substitute in the match.
Ronaldo Jr walked onto the pitch in the 53rd minute of the game when Portugal were leading 3-0. Though he failed to get on the scoresheet, the 14-year-old managed to showcase his skills and talent on the field. Ronaldo Jr also had his grandmother, Maria Dolore,s watching from the stands as he made an impression on his U15 debut for Portugal.
A proud father, Ronaldo took to social media to share an appreciation post for his 14-year-old son after witnessing him don the Portugal jersey for the first time in his career. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who is currently playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, congratulated his son on his debut.
“Congratulations on your Portugal debut, son. Very proud of you,” Ronaldo wrote while sharing glimpses of Ronaldo Jr in action from the game.
As per reports, several top clubs from across the globe had sent scouts to watch Ronaldo Jr play for the Portugal U15 against Japan in the Vlatko Markovic International Tournament on Tuesday. Scouts from clubs like Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Inter Milan, Juventus, RB Leipzig and RB Salzburg, among others, were present at the game.
Ronaldo Jr currently plays for the Al Nassr academy and trains with the Saudi club. He has earlier been part of the Juventus and the Manchester United academies during his father’s stint with the two clubs. Ronaldo Jr is already stealing the spotlight as he begins his journey in age-group football at the international level. The pressure will be immense on the 14-year-old, who will be burdened with the expectations of carrying forward the legacy of his legendary father.
Braga’s Rafael Cabral outshine Ronaldo Jr
While all eyes were on Ronaldo Jr during the match, it was Portuguese club Braga’s youngster Rafael Cabral who stole the show with his hat-trick for Portugal U15. It was Cabral who struck thrice to give Portugal a commanding 3-0 lead before Ronaldo Jr was introduced on the pitch. His hat-trick helped Portugal U15 earn a comfortable 4-1 win over Japan U15.
Cabral scored the opener for Portugal U15 after finding himself in a one-on-one situation with the Japan keeper following a brilliant pass from Lourenco Fernandes early in the first half. He doubled his team’s lead two minutes later with another goal before converting a penalty at the start of the second half to make it 3-0 for Portugal U15.