Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career may have reached its conclusion, but his family’s association with Portugal has entered a new chapter. His eldest son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., made his Under-17 debut in a 4-0 victory over Andorra in European Championship qualifying on Thursday, coming close to marking his first appearance with a goal after entering the match in the closing stages.
Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. makes Portugal U17 debut against Andorra
The 16-year-old came off the bench in the 74th minute at Portugal’s national training centre in Oeiras, replacing Victor Bastianele with the hosts already holding a commanding advantage. Wearing the number 18 shirt, Ronaldo Jr. was given an opportunity to make his first appearance at Under-17 level after previously representing Portugal at Under-15 and Under-16 age groups.Portugal had established their four-goal lead before his introduction. Sporting CP forward Diego Farinha scored twice, while Kauã Miranda converted a penalty for the third goal and Braga’s Rafael Cabral added another in the 60th minute. Filipe Ramos’ side secured a comfortable opening victory in their qualifying campaign for the 2027 European Under-17 Championship.The occasion also attracted attention from Portugal’s senior internationals. Vitinha, João Cancelo, João Félix and João Neves were among those watching from the sports complex in Oeiras as Ronaldo Jr. began his latest international assignment.
Ronaldo Jr. comes close to scoring on his international debut
Ronaldo Jr. nearly added a fifth goal in the closing stages, coming within inches of a memorable start to his Under-17 career. In the 88th minute, he connected with a cross from Diogo Djabi but sent his header narrowly wide of the goal.Although he could not find the net, the chance offered an early glimpse of his involvement at the new age level. He did not start the match and, unlike his father, did not wear Portugal’s famous number seven shirt, instead appearing in number 18.The teenager arrived at the Under-17 level with an established record in Portugal’s youth teams. His international journey began in May 2025, when he made his Under-15 debut wearing number seven at a tournament in Croatia. He subsequently represented the Under-16 side and helped Portugal win the Federation Cup in Turkey. Across his youth international appearances, he had scored five goals in 13 matches before making the step up.At club level, Ronaldo Jr. plays in the Al-Nassr academy in Saudi Arabia and has continued to attract attention with his performances, including a two-goal display against Al-Ahli earlier this season.
Ronaldo Jr. begins new chapter one week after father’s Portugal retirement
The timing of the debut added another dimension to the occasion, coming just one week after his father announced his retirement from international football. Cristiano Ronaldo ended a 23-year Portugal career with a record 146 goals in 234 appearances, having represented the national team at the highest level since making his senior debut in 2003.Ronaldo Jr. now has the opportunity to establish his own place in Portugal’s youth sides, with two further European Championship qualifiers scheduled during the current international window. Portugal are due to face Bulgaria on November 14 before meeting Serbia on November 17, with both matches taking place in Lisbon.The Andorra match was only his first appearance at Under-17 level, but the teenager will have further opportunities to gain experience as Portugal pursue qualification for the 2027 tournament.
