Despite admitting Euro 2024 would be his last tournament in the competition, Cristiano Ronaldo is still playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, which his son, Cristiano Jr has reportedly signed for
Cristiano Ronaldo’s desperate bid to keep playing football may be linked to his young son, who is following in his footsteps.
The Portuguese international, 39, who was in tears last night when he missed a penalty for his country in the Euros against Slovenia, is making history playing at the top level, approaching 40.
In news which broke fans’ hearts last night, the number seven star admitted Euro 2024 would be his last tournament in the competition. However, he’s got no plans to stop playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, which his son, Cristiano Jr has reportedly also signed for.
Ronaldo signed for the team last January and has been exemplary in the league ever since. It was previously revealed that the striker’s desperate bid to keep playing at the top level is down to him wanting to play at the same time as his eldest son, who he is mentoring to follow in his footsteps.
The five time Ballon dO’r winner revealed his eldest son’s ambitions back in 2022 in an interview with Piers Morgan. Speaking about his Cristiano Jr, who was born via surrogate, he said: “My son tells me: dad, hold on a few more years, I want to play with you!”
The former Real Madrid superstar may not have the sizzling speed on the pitch he once boasted, but there’s no denying Ronaldo is a special specimen, who takes his fitness extremely seriously. And while he may have broken fans’ heart regarding a future Euros appearance, reports have suggested the Madeira-born star keen to play in the 2026 World Cup and could still be at Al-Nassr when it takes place. His son would be 16 by that point and could in theory line-up alongside him in the Saudi Pro League.
Cristiano Jr has been part of a number of big-name academies, following his dad around the world. He has played for the youth systems at Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. Ronaldo, who has five children, says his young son is just as determined as he is, telling reporters “he will do what he wants”.
Speaking on his girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez’s Netflix documentary, I Am Georgina, he explained: “He will do what he wants. Also what I want the most for Cristianito and everyone else is that they’re happy and that they choose what they want. I will support in any way.”
But Ronaldo has still had an impact on his son’s career so far. The youngster was part of the academy at Old Trafford, but after his dad left the club Junior went along with him to Saudi Arabia. The 12-year-old is now said to be training with players two years his senior and is said to take ‘no prisoners’ on the pitch.
Ronaldo was flooded with support from Georgina and fans last night when he broke down after Slovenian keeper, Jan Oblak, saved his penalty in the first half of extra-time in Frankfurt – before three penalty shootout saves from Diogo Costa secured Portugal glory.
Unable to hide his emotion, the footballing legend was seen crying on the pitch after he missed his shot. However, his partner, Georgina, who shares two children with Ronaldo, has stuck up for the former Man Utd star with a sweet post on social media.
Taking to Instagram, the one-time Gucci employee shared two photos of her man on the pitch. One was accompanied with a huge heart and the other a star when Portugal were finally declared victorious after a penalty shoot out in which the number seven legend scored.
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