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On November 5, Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football. But another Ronaldo name seems all set to take over. Yes, less than a week after the legend's retirement, his son Cristiano Ronaldo Jr received his maiden U-17 call-up.
Next Generation Loading?
CR7's eldest son rose through the ranks by playing at the junior level of Al-Nassr. Ronaldo has played for the club since 2023. Ronaldo Jr is 16 and his rise of course is drawing comparisons with his father. But it's easier said than done.
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Cristiano Ronaldo's Legacy
The son has some big shoes to fill in. Ronaldo represented Portugal for the first time at the age of 18 in 2003. He scored 146 goals and played 234 games, the most by any man in the sport. His son is 6 feet three inches tall, which surpasses the father as far as height is concerned.
The Start of a New Journey
Ronaldo Jr has been picked in the squad for the UEFA Under-17 Championship qualifiers against Andorra, Bulgaria and Serbia. Who knows? We may see him playing in the senior side sooner rather than later.
Like Father Like Son
Ronaldo Jr is not the first son of a great player who has begun his own journey. There have been those who have not been able to come out of a parent's shadow, but others have made it. Hopefully for Ronaldo Jr, he will make his own name.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Next Target
Meanwhile, CR7 may have stepped away from international football, but he is still active at club level. The man needs another 15 goals to become the first-ever player to breach the 1000-goal mark. Giving him competition is Lionel Messi but LM10 is 48 goals behind him. It remains to be seen who gets there first, if anyone does at all.