Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. has taken another important step in his football career after receiving his first call-up to Portugal’s Under-17 national team, continuing his development while following in the footsteps of his legendary father.
The 16-year-old forward was included in the 23-man squad announced by head coach Filipe Ramos for the upcoming qualifying matches for the 2027 UEFA European Under-17 Championship.
Portugal will face Andorra on November 11, Bulgaria on November 14 and Serbia on November 17. All three matches will take place at the Portuguese Football Federation’s training facilities in Oeiras.
Known as Cristianinho, Ronaldo Jr. currently plays for the youth academy of Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, where his father represents the senior team.
The teenager has already gained international experience with Portugal’s Under-15 and Under-16 teams, having made his youth international debut in May 2025.
He has registered five goals in 13 appearances across those two age groups, scoring twice in four matches for the Under-15 team and three times in nine appearances for the Under-16 side.
His performances have helped him progress through Portugal’s youth system, earning another opportunity to demonstrate his abilities against international opposition.
At club level, Ronaldo Jr. continues developing as a winger in Al Nassr’s academy. According to Zerozero, the youngster has scored three goals in seven appearances for the club’s youth team this season.
His latest international selection also carries historical significance. Cristiano Ronaldo made his Portugal Under-17 debut 25 years ago before eventually establishing himself as one of the greatest players in football history.
Now, his eldest son has reached the same international age category, creating another connection between their respective careers.
The announcement comes at an interesting moment for the Ronaldo family, with Cristiano Ronaldo potentially returning to Portugal’s senior national team during the November international window.
The 41-year-old forward has been absent from the national team following a disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus during the September international fixtures.
Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp after being left on the bench against Norway, subsequently receiving a 30-day suspension and a financial penalty.
That suspension has already been served, opening the possibility of his return for Portugal’s upcoming UEFA Nations League encounter against Denmark on November 14.
However, his participation remains uncertain, with Portugal’s next senior squad announcement scheduled for Friday.
The timing of Ronaldo Jr.’s selection has raised the possibility that father and son could be involved with their respective Portuguese national teams during the same international window.
Although they would represent different age categories, the opportunity would represent another memorable moment for a family whose name has become synonymous with Portuguese football.
Cristiano Ronaldo has previously discussed his son’s development, recognizing his speed and dribbling ability while emphasizing that talent alone is insufficient to succeed professionally.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has also expressed his desire to avoid placing unnecessary pressure on his son, insisting that dedication and hard work remain essential regardless of the career he chooses.
For Ronaldo Jr., the immediate objective will be earning playing time and helping Portugal advance through European Championship qualification.
Portugal must finish among the top two teams in their qualifying group to progress to the next stage.
His first Under-17 appearance could come against Andorra on November 11, another milestone in a young career already attracting international attention.
While comparisons with his father are inevitable, Ronaldo Jr. now has another opportunity to establish his own identity in Portuguese football.
