Cristiano Ronaldo sends 11-word message to son after making Portugal debut

Cristiano Ronaldo was bursting with pride after his eldest son made his Portugal Under-15 debut.

Cristiano Jr was given his first taste of international football for the U15s on Tuesday which saw them claim a 4-1 victory over Japan.

The 14-year-old sensation was introduced as a substitute in the 54th minute with Portugal leading 3-0 thanks to a hat-trick from Braga’s Rafael Cabral.

The young forward who plays for Al Nassr’s academy was making his debut at the Vlatko Markovic international tournament in Croatia where Portugal will play four matches.

Following his son’s exploits on Monday, Ronaldo could not contain his delight and took to social media to express his happiness.

Ronaldo wrote: “Congratulations on your debut by @selecaoportugal, son. Very proud of you!”

And the five-time Ballon d’Or winner will be glued to his son’s movements over the coming week starting with Wednesday’s clash against Greece.

Portugal then face England on Friday before closing out the tournament on Sunday against an unconfirmed opponent.

Cristiano Jr follows in the footsteps of his legendary father who himself, represented Portugal U15s nine times back in 2001.

It was the catalyst to an incredible international career which saw the 40-year-old go on to become Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer.

Ronaldo, who continues to be decisive for the Selecao, has netted a whopping 136 goals from 219 appearances, winning the European Championship in 2016 and the 2019 Nations League.

Portugal’s last 16 exit to Switzerland at the 2022 World Cup was expected to be Ronaldo’s last brush with the showpiece tournament.

But the continued reliance by Portugal boss Roberto Martinez on Ronaldo could see the ex-Manchester United star in the frame for next year’s World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

And the continuation of his glittering career could even see him take to the field alongside his son, something he previously said he wanted to experience.

“I would like it, I would like it. It’s not something that keeps me awake at night but we’ll see,” Ronaldo said.

“It’s more in his hands than mine,” he added. “The years are starting to go by and one day I’ll have to let it go. There will come a time when it is no longer possible. Not only physically but also psychologically.

“He will follow his path, his career. I will be a proud father, I will be proud of what he wants to do.

“If he plays, ‘top’. If he doesn’t play, we tried. At least his father tried. But it won’t be a problem either, in my opinion.”

Alongside Portugal, Cristiano Jr is eligible to represent Spain and the USA at international level.

But the starlet will not commit to any country until he has made a senior international appearance, although Portugal appear to lead the way at present.