Cristiano Ronaldo’s eldest son almost scored on his Portugal Under-17 debut in a 4-0 win over Andorra, days after his father’s international retirement

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. is making his Portugal under-17 debut and almost marked the milestone with a goal in the 4-0 win over Andorra. Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career may have come to an end, but his family’s connection to Portugal has entered a new chapter. His eldest son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, made his under-17 debut in Thursday’s 4-0 win over Andorra in a European Championship qualifier, edging closer to his first appearance with a goal after entering the game in the closing stages.

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. makes his Portugal U17 debut against Andorra

The 16-year-old came off the bench in the 74th minute at Portugal’s national training center in Oeiras to replace Victor Bastianele with the hosts already in command. Ronaldo Jr. wearing the number 18 shirt, he was given the opportunity to make his first appearance at under-17 level after previously representing Portugal at under-15 and under-16 age groups.Portugal built their four-goal lead before his introduction. Sporting CP forward Diego Farinha scored twice, Kauã Miranda converted a penalty for the third goal and Braga’s Rafael Cabral added another in the 60th minute. Filip Ramos’ side secured a comfortable opening win in their 2027 European Under-17 Championship qualifying campaign.The event also attracted the attention of Portuguese seniors. Vitinha, João Cancelo, João Félix and João Neves were among those watching from the Oeiras Sports Complex as Ronaldo Jr. started his last international engagement.

Ronaldo Jr. comes close to scoring on his international debut

Ronaldo Jr. he almost added a fifth goal in the closing stages to come within inches of a memorable start to his under-17 career. In the 88th minute, he connected with Diogo Djabi’s cross, but sent his header just wide of the goal.Although he couldn’t find the net, the chance offered an early glimpse of his involvement at a new age level. He did not start the match and, unlike his father, did not wear Portugal’s famous number seven shirt, instead appearing with number 18.The teenager arrived at 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 at number seven in a tournament in Croatia. He subsequently represented the under-16 team and helped Portugal win the Confederations Cup in Turkey. During his youth international appearances, he scored five goals in 13 appearances before breaking through.At club level, Ronaldo Jr. plays. at the Al-Nassr Academy in Saudi Arabia and continues to attract attention with his performances, including a two-goal display against Al-Ahli earlier this season.

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Ronaldo Jr. begins a new chapter a week after his father’s Portuguese retirement

The timing of the debut added another dimension to the occasion, coming just a week after his father announced his retirement from international football. Cristiano Ronaldo ended his 23-year Portuguese career with a record 146 goals in 234 appearances, representing the national team at the highest level since his senior debut in 2003.Ronaldo Jr. he now has the opportunity to carve out a place for himself in Portugal’s youth clubs, with two more European Championship qualifiers scheduled during the current international window. Portugal will face Bulgaria on November 14 and Serbia on November 17, with both games taking place in Lisbon.The match in Andorra was only his first appearance at under-17 level, but the teenager will have further opportunities to gain experience as Portugal continue to qualify for the 2027 tournament.