How Cristiano Ronaldo’s son could snub Portugal for three other national teams including an ‘unknown’ country

Ronaldo's son currently plays for Al-Nassr's Under-17 team.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., has chosen to represent Portugal over a number of other countries despite his father’s feud with national team head coach Jorge Jesus – although he could still change his mind.

Ronaldo Sr. and Jesus became embroiled in a rift after the coach left the forward on the bench during a UEFA Nations League match against Norway last week.

In the days that followed, Ronaldo voluntarily left the national team’s camp and has since released a fiery statement accusing the head coach of breaking promises made to him about playing time on multiple occasions. It remains to be seen whether the pair can make up ahead of the November international break.

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However, Ronaldo’s 16-year-old son has pledged his allegiance to Portugal despite having the option of representing up to three other nations.

Cristiano Jr., who is a right-footed left winger, currently plays for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr’s academy, having previously featured for the academies of Juventus and Manchester United.

At junior international level, he has played for Portugal’s Under-15s and Under-16s despite being eligible for Spain, where he lived for more than five years during his father’s time at Real Madrid.

The teenager was born in California, so could represent the US if he chose to, while there may also be a fourth country he is eligible to represent, as the identity of his mother is unknown.

According to Spanish outlet AS, the youngster also has Cape Verdean heritage through his great-great-grandmother, although he does not meet any of the four requirements set out by FIFA to play for the African nation.

According to Portuguese federation records, Ronaldo Jr. has scored five times in 13 appearances for Portugal’s youth teams, having made his international debut in a 3-2 win over Croatia at the Vlatko Markovic tournament in May of last year.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo Sr. has scored 146 times in 234 appearances for Portugal, helping them win their first-ever major tournament at Euro 2016 before further triumphs in the 2019 and 2025 Nations Leagues.

Despite some sportspeople advising their children against following in their footsteps, Ronaldo Sr. has been clear that he ‘dreams’ of his son making it as a professional footballer.

Speaking to DAZN in 2018, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner described how his son was “very competitive” and reminded him of himself when he was young.

“He doesn't like to lose and he will be like me, I'm sure, 100 per cent,” he said.

“I like to teach him some stuff, but he's going to be whatever he wants and I'm always going to support him.

“But of course I want Cristiano to be a football player, because I think he has that drive. He has a good body, he's fast, he has skills, he shoots good.

“But, as you know, he's going to take his decision and he's so young. I'm not going to put pressure on him, but of course I dream to see my boy a football player.”

Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, Football News

Luke has covered sport – including football, MMA, cricket, and boxing – for SPORTbible since 2024, having previously freelanced at Reach and JOE. When he isn't writing for SPORTbible, he's following Everton home and away. Luke also created and hosted a podcast interviewing guests from singers and bands to footballers and boxers.

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