Cristiano Ronaldo is taking part in what is expected to be his final World Cup in 2026, but his son could continue his legacy from 2030 onwards if he continues on his current trajectory.
Recently turned 16, Cristiano Junior has trained in the youth academies of Manchester United, Juventus and Al-Nassr. He’s also represented Portugal at Under-15 and Under-16 level.
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If he continues on that path, he’ll take over from his father, provided the teenager is deemed good enough to play for the senior team eventually. He has already overtaken his 6’2″ dad in height and has scored a huge number of goals in his youth career.
A tug-of-war could break out soon enough as Cristiano Jr could technically ply his trade for five different countries. But who are they and what is the link to Ronaldo’s son?
Ronaldo Jr Has 5 World Cup Nations to Choose From
Portugal
The most obvious nation the youngster could choose to represent is that of his father. Ronaldo Jr wasn’t born in his dad’s homeland, but looks most likely to choose the 2026 World Cup favourites as his international team.
United States of America
The young forward was born in La Mesa, California. That means he could be donning the colours of the USMNT for the next World Cup. They have been one of the surprise packages of this year’s competition so far, but this would be an incredible coup to snap up the child of one of football’s greats.
Under Spanish law, Ronaldo Jr could apply for citizenship and become a member of Luis de la Fuente’s European champions. This is because he spent more than three years living in the country while his dad was playing for Real Madrid.
England
If he keeps improving and scoring goals, there’s every chance the English Football Association will throw an interested glance in the 16-year-old’s direction. Having a Ronaldo turning out for England would be incredible to see. Again, he could become a British citizen due to the time his father spent at Manchester United.
Cape Verde
The least likely of his future international teams is Cape Verde. That’s if he takes footballing reasons into account. The African minnows have qualified for their second-ever World Cup in 2026, but can’t compete with the four other powerhouses Ronaldo Jr can pick from. However, he is entitled to play for them through his biological grandmother, Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro.
