Cristiano Ronaldo’s eldest son has been called up to Portugal under-17s for the first time as father retires from international career

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. (image via Getty) Cristiano Ronaldo’s eldest son is beginning to follow the path his father defined for more than two decades when he earned his first call-up to Portugal’s under-17 squad for November’s European Championship qualifiers. The choice comes at a significant time for the family: Ronaldo, 41, announced his retirement from international football on November 5, ending a Portuguese career that saw him score 146 goals in 234 games while he continues to play for Al Nassr.

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. receives first Portuguese under-17 call-up

Cristiano Ronaldo Júnior, 16, has been included in Filipe Ramos’ 23-man squad for the European Under-17 Championship qualifiers in Portugal, his first selection at this level. Academy striker Al Nassr has previously represented his country at Under-15 and Under-16 level, scoring five goals in 13 appearances at those age groups.

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Portugal will face Andorra on November 11, Bulgaria on November 14 and Serbia on November 17, with all three matches taking place in Lisbon. The call-up represents the next step in the teenager’s international development after progressing through Portugal’s youth teams.His selection also brings a familiar surname to the national setting at a time when his father’s international career has just ended.

Ronaldo retires from duty in Portugal as his son moves up

Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on 5 November, ending a career in which he became the top scorer in men’s international football with 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal. He has represented the senior national team at six World Cups and won three major international titles, including Euro 2016 and two editions of the Nations League.

FILE – Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo gestures as he holds the trophy as he celebrates victory during the UEFA Nations League final match between Portugal and the Netherlands at the Dragao Stadium in Porto, Portugal. AP/PTI(AP11_05_2026_000313B)

His retirement from international football does not mean the end of his playing career. Ronaldo remains active at Al Nassr, the Saudi club where his son developed through the academy, and still continues to reach the milestone of 1,000 goals in senior football.The younger Ronaldo is nowhere near a senior international yet, but his first under-17 selection gives him another opportunity to make his mark on Portugal’s international stage.

Could Cristiano Ronaldo and his son play together?

The possibility of father and son sharing a football field has been discussed before. Ronaldo has previously expressed an interest in playing alongside his eldest son, although he also made it clear that the decision ultimately rests with the teenager.“I would like it, but it’s not something that keeps me up at night,” Ronaldo said in an interview with Edu Aguirre last year.“It’s more in his hands than mine. The years go by and eventually I’ll have to leave football. Not just physically, but mentally. But whether he plays or not, I’ll be a proud father regardless.”

Cristiano Ronaldo, Cristiano Jr

Reports from Saudi Arabia earlier this year suggested that Ronaldo Jr. he was close to being able to train with Al Nassr’s senior team. However, he remains at academy level and his first call-up to Portugal under-17s is the latest sign of his progress, rather than an immediate route to senior football.Ronaldo also acknowledged that his own professional time is coming to an end. In an interview published in Vogue in August, he said: “This is probably my last year in football and I want to leave a great legacy.”For now, the two careers are going their separate ways: Ronaldo continues his club career with Al Nassr after leaving Portugal, while his son prepares for his first Under-17 international stint.