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Cristiano Ronaldo’s Son Shines - A New Chapter in Football’s Family Legacy

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andy Hageman | Last updated May 7, 2025 4:16 PM ET

Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary CR7, has etched his name in football history with unparalleled records. From scoring 136 goals in 219 matches for Portugal to dominating at clubs like Manchester United and Real Madrid, his legacy is monumental. Now, his 14-year-old son, Cristiano Jr., is stepping into the spotlight, called up to Portugal’s Under-15 squad for the first time.

The phrase “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” rings true here. Cristiano Jr., part of Al-Nassr’s youth setup where his father plays, is already drawing attention. He’s trained at elite academies like Juventus and Manchester United, mirroring his father’s journey from Madeira to global stardom.

Father-son duos in football are rare but iconic. In the English Premier League, Peter and Kasper Schmeichel stand out, both goalkeepers who played for Manchester United. Frank Lampard Sr. and Frank Lampard Jr. also made their mark, with the father playing for West Ham United and England, and the son becoming Chelsea’s all-time leading goal scorer with 211 goals, and latterly their head coach, twice.

Internationally, the Maldini family is legendary. Paolo Maldini and his father, Cesare, both captained Italy and AC Milan, with Paolo’s son Daniel continuing the legacy. In Iceland, Eidur Gudjohnsen replaced his father, Arnór, in a 1996 friendly match, a historic moment.

The Baresi brothers, Franco and Giuseppe, also shone for Italy, though they played for rival clubs, Inter and AC Milan. In Norway, Alf-Inge Haaland and his son Erling, now a Manchester City star, have both represented their country. These duos highlight the rarity and pride of family legacies in football.

Like Father, Like Son? As Talented Or Nepotism?

Cristiano Jr.’s call-up to Portugal’s U15 team for the Vlatko Markovic Tournament in Croatia is a proud moment for Ronaldo. The 40-year-old, who captained Portugal to Euro 2016 glory, shared his joy on social media, posting, “Proud of you, son.” It’s a milestone that echoes his own rise from Sporting CP’s youth ranks.

While Cristiano Jr. has options to represent the USA or Spain due to his birthplace and residency, his current path with Portugal feels like destiny. Viral videos of him mimicking his father’s “Siu” celebration at Al-Nassr show a flair fans hope will match CR7’s. Yet, he’s carving his own story, not just living in his father’s shadow.

The Ronaldo family’s journey is a testament to talent and dedication. As Cristiano Jr. takes his first steps on the international stage, the football world watches eagerly. Will he follow his father’s record-breaking path? Only time will tell, but the legacy is already in motion.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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