Cristiano Ronaldo Jr gets first Portugal Under-17 call-up

Cristiano Ronaldo Junior has been handed his first call-up to Portugal's Under-17 national team. The 16-year-old forward, widely known as Cristianinho, was named in head coach Filipe Ramos' 23-man squad for this month's UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualifying matches.

The teenager plays his club football in the youth academy of Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr, the same club where his father, Cristiano Ronaldo, turns out for the senior team.

Portugal will face Andorra, Bulgaria and Serbia in the qualifiers, according to the reports. The games will matter for a Portuguese side hoping to move closer to a place at the tournament.

Following his father's path

Ronaldo Junior made his international debut for Portugal's Under-15 team in May 2025. He moved up to the Under-16 side a few months ago and scored three goals in nine appearances at that level.

His progress through Portugal's youth system has drawn attention largely because of his surname. His father is one of the most decorated players in the game, having represented Portugal at major tournaments and played for several leading European clubs before joining Al Nassr.

The younger Ronaldo is now building a career of his own through the age grades, and this selection gives him another chance to show what he can do against players from other European countries.

For Nigerian fans who follow the Ronaldo story closely, the call-up is a reminder that the family name keeps making football news, this time from the youth ranks rather than the senior stage.

What happens next

Ronaldo Junior will link up with the Portugal Under-17 squad for the three qualifiers against Andorra, Bulgaria and Serbia this month. How much playing time he gets will be decided by Ramos and his coaching staff.