Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed confidence that his eldest son, Cristiano Jr., has what it takes to surpass his achievements, revealing that the teenager is already physically ahead of where he was at the same age.
The Portugal legend made the remarks in a video released by Netflix Sports on Thursday while watching the 16-year-old train with the Al Nassr youth team.
Reflecting on his son’s development, Ronaldo said Cristiano Jr. is taller and stronger than he was during his teenage years.
“He’s a good kid. The other ones are tougher, the ones at home, the small ones. This one is no problem,” Ronaldo said.
“When I was his age, he is a little bit bigger and stronger. I was smaller. I think he will be bigger than me.”
Despite his son’s physical advantages, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner stressed that success in football depends on more than size and strength.
Responding to a comment about whether Cristiano Jr. possesses the same determination that drove him to the top of world football, Ronaldo said, “Hunger is the most difficult.”
Cristiano Jr., who was born on June 17, 2010, is Ronaldo’s first child and currently plays in the youth ranks of Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr. The identity of his mother has never been made public.
Beyond Cristiano Jr., Ronaldo is also father to twins Eva Maria and Mateo, who were born through surrogacy in 2017, as well as daughters Alana Martina and Bella Esmeralda with his partner, Georgina Rodríguez. Bella’s twin brother, Ángel, sadly died during childbirth in 2022.
Now 41, Ronaldo remains one of football’s most decorated players. Over the course of his illustrious career, he has won 36 major trophies with Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Al Nassr and the Portugal national team.
His honours include five UEFA Champions League titles, five Ballon d’Or awards, the UEFA Euro 2016 crown, two UEFA Nations League titles and several domestic league championships across England, Spain, Italy and Saudi Arabia. He also holds the record as the highest goalscorer in men’s international football.
Ronaldo’s most recent competitive appearance came at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Portugal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the round of 16 on July 6, a match widely viewed as bringing the legendary forward’s international career to a close.