Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. earns call-up to Portugal U16 amid impressive rise

The heir to one of football’s greatest dynasties has taken the next significant step in his young career. Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. has earned a call-up to the Portugal U16 national team, continuing to follow directly in the celebrated footsteps of his five-time Ballon d’Or-winning father.

The 15-year-old, affectionately known as Cristianinho (little Cristiano) in Portugal, joined his new U16 teammates for training in Oeiras on Monday, October 27. The session was in preparation for the upcoming Federation Cup Tournament in Antalya, Turkey, which runs from October 30th to November 4th.

This call-up represents a swift progression for Ronaldo Jr., who is currently thriving in the youth academy of Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr, the same team his father captains.

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Ronaldo Jr. previously starred for the Portugal U15 squad earlier this year. His tenure was highlighted by a spectacular performance in the final of the Vlatko Markovic International Tournament, where he bagged a crucial brace to power the Seleção to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Croatia. This success has cemented his reputation as a promising goal-scorer, showing a clinical touch reminiscent of his famous dad.

The next generation 🔥 Cristiano Ronaldo Jr putting in work with Portugal U16.pic.twitter.com/zypo9Ctf6O https://t.co/ocKC7SDStv

— Pitchside Highlights (@PitchsidePlays) October 29, 2025

Before landing in Riyadh, Ronaldo Jr. developed his skills in some of the world’s most prestigious youth setups, including the academies of Juventus (2018–2021) and Manchester United (2021). This nomadic training background mirrors his father’s own career path and suggests a comfort level in high-pressure environments.

The tournament in Turkey will serve as a significant test for the new U16 squad, facing off against European rivals in a condensed, competitive schedule. The young Portuguese team, managed by coach Filipe Ramos, will be eager to claim international silverware.

The progression of Ronaldo Jr. is sparking renewed excitement around the ultimate fan fantasy: seeing father and son share a pitch in the senior national team.

At 40, the elder Ronaldo continues to defy time, remaining the Seleção’s record goalscorer and appearance-maker and a fixture in the senior squad. His longevity provides a tangible—if still challenging—target for his son. With Ronaldo Jr. moving up to the U16s, the gap between their respective national teams has narrowed, giving his father an extra layer of motivation to keep his “undimmed star” burning bright (as noted in the analysis of his career twilight).

The global spotlight on Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. is immense, but by focusing on his development and delivering key performances on the international stage, he is carving out his own path, one goal and one national team call-up at a time.

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