Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. Impresses in International Debut in Croatia

Sveti Martin na Muri, Croatia – An excited group of local kids clamored for a glimpse of a young football star during an Under-15 tournament this week

Despite being in a remote Croatian village, the name ‘Ronaldo’ drew intense attention as children called out, “Ronaldo! Ronaldo!” They were not referring to Cristiano Ronaldo Senior, but to his son, Cristiano Ronaldo Junior, who was representing Portugal.

Ronaldo Jr., 14, was called up to the Portugal Under-15 team for the Vlatko Markovic Tournament, aiming to follow in his father’s illustrious footsteps. He has played for several top clubs, including Real Madrid and Manchester United, and currently is with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

On Tuesday, the young forward’s international journey began with a match against Japan at 12:15 PM. Locals, scouts, and families filled the small stadium, eager to see how he would perform.

Before the match, Ronaldo Jr. was recognized among the crowd, drawing a flood of photographers. As he settled onto the bench, the excitement around his potential grew. Although listed under his middle name, Cristiano dos Santos, he still wore the famous No. 7 jersey like his father.

Ronaldo’s mother, Dolores, attracted attention as well. Wearing a Portugal shirt with ‘Dolores, 7’ on the back, she became a popular figure among fans, happily taking selfies during half-time.

As the match began, the excitement was palpable. Ronaldo Jr.’s first touch was a solid defensive play, demonstrating his willingness to contribute to the team. Throughout the game, he showed promise with his unique style, differing from his father’s early game, focusing on intelligent play and teamwork.

The match ended with a 4-1 victory for Portugal. Ronaldo Jr. may have appeared shy when greeting family at the end, but the crowd’s enthusiasm reinforced his growing legacy.

On the following day, Ronaldo Jr. started against Greece, where his performance included near-scoring moments. His team manager, Joao Santos, praised the talent of his players but refrained from singling out any individual talents to maintain a team-focused approach.

Ronaldo Jr. remains an important part of discussions surrounding the future of football, with many eager to see how he develops. His next game against England could be another step toward establishing his own career, separate from his father’s shadow.

As the young player continues to grow and evolve on the field, fans will keep their eyes on Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. and his journey in the sport.