Man United scout ‘watches Cristiano Ronaldo Jr’s Portugal debut’ as youngster’s father sends his son heartwarming message
A scout from Manchester United reportedly watched the Portugal debut of Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.
Ronaldo Sr took on the role of proud father on Tuesday afternoon after watching his teenage son make his debut for Portugal Under-15s.
After receiving his maiden call-up for the national team last week, Ronaldo Jr, 14, was named on the bench for Portugal’s clash with Japan at the Vlatko Markovic international tournament in Croatia.
He came on as a substitute in the 54th minute as Portugal recorded a convincing 4-1 victory.
The youngster is reportedly of interest to a number of European clubs though currently, like his father, plys his trade with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
One of those clubs, according to The Sun, is one of Ronaldo Sr’s former sides in Manchester United – though the Red Devils are reportedly set to compete with Tottenham and a number of Bundesliga sides for his signature.
A Manchetser United scout reportedly watched Cristiano Ronaldo Jr make his debut for Portugal Under-15s on Tuesday
Cristiano Ronaldo Sr played for United twice himself, most recently departing in late 2022
Ronaldo Jr (left) currently plays for Al-Nassr with his son but could jump ship in the future
Ronaldo Sr sent a message of congratulations to his son online after his international debut
Ronaldo Jr donned the No 7 shirt on his debut, the same jersey his father has famously worn at United , Real Madrid and Juventus.
Having turned 40 in February, Ronaldo Sr is still playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, and has scored 33 goals in 39 appearances this season.
He has previously spoken about dreaming of playing in the same team as his son before hanging up his boots, and Jr making his debut for Portugal’s Under-15s on Tuesday indicated this could still be a realistic aim.
Ronaldo Sr made his senior Portugal debut in 2003 at the age of 18, and looks set to play in his sixth World Cup next year.
His son will turn 15 next month, and may have to fast-track his development if he is to play alongside Ronaldo Sr.
Ronaldo Sr played for United between 2003 and 2009, becoming arguably the best player in the world after joining from Sporting Lisbon in his native Portugal.
He would return in 2021, but things didn’t go as planned and he left just a year later after publicly slating the club and then-boss Erik ten Hag.
The veteran did, though, post a heartwarming message to his son as the youngster continues to follow in his footsteps.
‘Congratulations on your debut by @selecaoportugal, son. Very proud of you!’ Ronaldo Sr wrote on X, alongside pictures of his son in action.
