Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.: Inside the Life of CR7’s Eldest Son

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In young football, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., the son of football great CR7, is making waves. This article is about his childhood, football career, schooling, family life, and public persona.

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. (born June 17, 2010) is the firstborn son of football legend Cristiano Ronaldo. While still a teenager, he has already attracted attention for following in his father’s footsteps on the pitch. In this comprehensive profile, we explore his early childhood, rise in youth soccer, education, family life, personality, media presence, friendships, and notable moments – all drawn from credible news and interviews.

Early Life and Family Background

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. was born on June 17, 2010, during his father’s spell at Real Madrid. His mother’s identity has never been publicly disclosed; Ronaldo has explained that, by mutual agreement, Jr. is under his exclusive guardianship and the mother’s privacy is respected. From infancy he has been raised by his famous father (and later, by his father’s partner, Georgina Rodríguez). As the eldest child of Cristiano Ronaldo, Jr. enjoys a close father-son bond. His father calls raising his family “the greatest privilege”, and has said he plans to support his son in whatever path he chooses.

Through the years Ronaldo Jr. has lived in Spain (Madrid), Italy (Turin), England (Manchester), and now Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) – following his father’s club moves. He traveled with Cristiano’s family, soaking up different cultures. Ronaldo’s household is famously close-knit: Cristiano Jr. is the oldest sibling to four younger half-siblings (twins Eva and Mateo, daughter Alana, and daughter Bella), all born after 2017. The twins (Eva and Mateo) and Bella were born via surrogacy, and Alana Martina (born Nov 2017) is Cristiano’s daughter with Georgina. In 2022, Ronaldo and Georgina suffered the loss of a baby boy, but their daughter Bella (born April 2022) survived and is now growing up alongside Jr. Ronaldo Jr. is thus a loving big brother to his younger siblings, and family photos on Instagram often show the children together at home or events.

Football Development and Skills

From a young age, Ronaldo Jr. has trained intensively in soccer. In 2018, shortly after his father’s transfer to Juventus, 8-year-old Jr. began playing with Juventus’ Under-9 youth squad. He was even photographed at the Juventus training facility in Turin, wearing the team’s kit alongside the Pulcini 2010 squad. His father hailed his training with Juventus’ youth, saying “Cristiano Junior is very competitive. He is like me when I was a kid. He doesn’t like to lose. He will become like me, I’m 100% sure of it.”. These early comments underline Jr.’s drive and love for the game. He reportedly scored four goals on his Juventus debut and notched multiple other multi-goal games (even seven goals in one half), drawing comparisons to his father’s prowess.

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. with Cristiano Ronaldo exercising

During those Juventus years, news outlets noted Jr.’s prodigious scoring: he netted an astonishing 58 goals in 28 games for Juventus’ youth teams by late 2019. (Remarkably, that tally was nearly double Cristiano Sr.’s goal count at Juventus over the same period.) In fact, his father joked “He is playing for Juventus and adapting really well; it has been easier for him than for me,” after Jr. scored in his first appearance for the U-11 team. Overall, reports highlighted that Jr. combined speed and skill in dribbling – traits inherited from CR7 – along with a competitive spirit. Cristiano Sr. noted of his son in 2020: “He has potential. He is fast and dribbles well, but that is not enough. I always tell him that it takes work and dedication to have success… I won’t pressure him to become a footballer, but yes I would like it.”.

When Cristiano Sr. returned to Manchester United in 2021, Cristiano Jr. moved to England as well. He joined Man United’s under-12 team (wearing the iconic No. 7 shirt, just like his father) and even pulled off his dad’s trademark “siuuu” celebration after scoring in an under-12 tournament. Over that 2021–22 season he continued to impress coaches and media with his scoring and confidence. In November 2022, as his father left Manchester, reports indicated that Ronaldo Jr. also departed the club’s academy. According to Spanish reports, he returned to Real Madrid’s youth setup (where his father’s career had skyrocketed) and scored 50 goals in 20 games for Real’s junior teams during an earlier stint.

Most recently, with Cristiano Sr.’s move to Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo Jr. followed him to Riyadh. He officially signed with Al-Nassr’s Under-13 team in October 2023 and will wear No. 7 like his father. Media notes confirm he has been training at Saudi’s Mahd Sports Academy – a national talent center – working even with older age groups (reportedly two years above him). Early 2024 reports mention he has joined the Al-Nassr academy and continues playing in youth leagues there under his father’s watchful eye. All signs point to Ronaldo Jr. continuing to hone his football skills through elite academy training, aiming to follow CR7’s legacy.

Education and Schooling

Despite the constant moves, Ronaldo Jr.’s education has been taken very seriously. His father and family have chosen high-quality schools at each location. In Manchester, the children all enrolled at The Ryleys School in Cheshire, a prestigious preparatory school for ages up to 11. The Ryleys has a “bespoke education” approach that emphasizes each student’s talents (academic, artistic, sporting, etc.), aligning well with the family’s values. An education website confirms that Cristiano Jr., as well as his younger siblings, attended Ryleys when the family lived in the UK. Ronaldo himself once quipped that he is “one of the highest-paid athletes in 2022, [so he] can afford to send his children to the best schools money can offer”.

Before England, in Italy, Ronaldo Jr. likely attended a local or international school while living in Turin, though specific details aren’t public. The family was also rumored to have sought top schooling upon returning to Portugal. For example, Spanish media reported that Cristiano and Georgina attempted to enroll their children at Lisbon’s elite St. Julian’s School – but the application was rejected, reportedly because the school didn’t want constant media attention on its campus. Officials said they feared Ronaldo’s fame could “change the daily dynamics” of the school.

Now in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo Jr. is schooling alongside his training. Reports indicate he, his two brothers and two sisters are enrolled in a local school in Riyadh, though specifics are private. He also trains at the Mahd Sports Academy (ages 6–14) which doubles as an elite sports education center. In short, wherever he goes, Ronaldo Jr. attends well-respected schools. His education has been kept largely private – unlike his on-field exploits, details of classes and grades are not public. The priority has been balancing studies with his rigorous soccer schedule, under the watchful guidance of his parents and coaches.

Personality and Interests

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.

Even at a young age, Cristiano Jr. shows personality traits reminiscent of his famous father. He is frequently described as highly competitive, driven, and self-confident. Ronaldo Sr. has noted that Jr. “doesn’t like to lose” and that he himself displayed similar ambition as a child. In interviews, CR7 has both praised Jr.’s passion for football and insisted he won’t push him too hard: “I won’t pressure him [to be a player],” he said, but added with a grin, “if you ask me if I want him to, yes I would like it” – the key is that Jr. works hard in whatever he does. This pragmatic approach suggests that Cristiano wants Jr. to develop discipline and work ethic, whether in sports or any other field.

Aside from football, Ronaldo Jr. is still a growing kid with typical hobbies. He has been seen playing table tennis and tennis with family members in viral videos. He enjoys the comfortable life provided by his father’s earnings, but his parents reportedly limit distractions like excessive screen time (Cristiano Sr. once joked he wouldn’t buy his 14-year-old son an iPhone to keep him focused). He often tags along to training and promotional events, so he’s accustomed to being around cameras.

One charming observation is that Jr. already mimics some of his father’s mannerisms: for example, he was seen celebrating a goal with the iconic “siuuu” jump and shout, just like Cristiano does. This playfulness suggests he looks up to his father not just as a parent, but as a hero figure. In short, those who know Ronaldo Jr. say he is friendly and enthusiastic. When not on the pitch, he appears to enjoy normal kid activities – playing with his siblings, riding go-karts, watching cartoons – but always with a touch of Ronaldo flair. As of early 2025 he is around 14 and still a private child, so full details on hobbies or character are scarce. But everything suggests he is mature for his age, respectful, and inherits his father’s confidence on and off the field.

Relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo and Siblings

Cristiano Jr. is famously close to his father. They share a routine of practicing shots, doing drills, and even gym workouts together when time permits. Ronaldo Sr. has said he wants Jr. to be “the best at whatever he does”, whether on or off the pitch. He openly posts photos of them training or attending games together on social media, showing pride in his son’s progress. The Sr. also publicly swears he will not compare Jr. to himself or force him into football – rather, he’ll let his son make his own choices. Still, he provides mentoring: for example, Cristiano has spoken of encouraging Jr. to focus on teamwork and consistency, just as he had to learn in youth soccer.

As for siblings, Ronaldo Jr. is the eldest of Cristiano’s children. He is a big brother to three half-sisters and one half-brother: twin sister Eva Maria (born 2017), twin brother Mateo (born 2017), sister Alana Martina (born Nov 2017), and sister Bella (born 2022). (His younger half-brother Ángel died shortly after birth in 2022, but the family often speaks of him lovingly in memory.) Georgina Rodríguez is the mother of Eva, Mateo, Alana, Bella, and shares custody with Ronaldo Sr. Cristiano Jr. is particularly fond of the twins Eva and Mateo, often photographed playing with them. Family photos on Instagram show Jr. acting like a caring big brother, helping tuck them in or reading to them.

While his mother’s identity remains private, Ronaldo Jr. enjoys a stable home with Cristiano Sr. and Georgina. The couple is reportedly very engaged in all the children’s lives. Ronaldo Jr. has even commented (on his father’s Instagram reels) how proud he is when he scores a goal. In interviews, Cristiano Sr. has mentioned that Jr. and his siblings are aware of each other’s achievements, celebrating together – for example, congratulating Eva on her first goal, or cheering on Mateo in a game. The family often vacations together (on the beach, boats, etc.), and important milestones (birthdays, Christmas) are celebrated as a family.

Public Appearances and Media Presence

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.

Despite being underage, Cristiano Jr. has had his share of public appearances. One of the earliest was at the 2013 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony in Zurich, when he was just 3 years old. He accompanied Cristiano Sr. that night, looking adorable in a child-sized suit and blazer as he supported his father’s nomination. Media outlets noted the “rare public appearance” of the toddler and how well-dressed he was. He smiled for photographers and was shown on screen during the event – the first indication he might one day become a public figure himself.

In recent years, Ronaldo Jr. has appeared at club events and award ceremonies. Notably, he joined Cristiano at the 2022 Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, where Cristiano Sr. collected honors. Photos show Ronaldo Jr. grinning beside his dad and Georgina on the red carpet as the family enjoyed a “special night together”. As Ronaldo Sr.’s career moves have hit headlines, Jr.’s life often does too – for example, news of his academy signings or goals are widely reported by sports media. Still, he maintains a relatively low profile. He has no public social media of his own; rather, fans see snapshots of him through his parents’ Instagram posts (Cristiano often shares family moments, calling being a dad “the greatest privilege”).

Major sports websites and football magazines regularly report on his development and schooling. Articles have highlighted his training exploits (like scoring records in youth leagues) and school enrollment. For example, Study International and ¡HOLA! confirmed that he and his siblings attend The Ryleys School in the UK. When he transferred to new academies, outlets like Goal, TalkSport, and Indian Express ran stories on each move (Juventus, Manchester, Real Madrid, Al-Nassr).

Overall, Ronaldo Jr.’s media presence is essentially an extension of Cristiano Sr.’s. He’s photographed at training sessions, seen cheering from the stands at some matches, and shown in family posts. But the family respects his privacy; even as news sites cover his progress, they avoid discussing personal details. When asked in interviews, Cristiano Sr. credits Jr. with a grounded upbringing. Despite constant spotlight, Jr. appears well-adjusted and keen to learn.

Friends and Early Relationships

Ronaldo Jr. is still a young teenager, and like many kids his age, he’s primarily focused on school, sports, and family. There is no public evidence of any romantic relationships (and indeed at 14, that would be very early). Any discussion of his friendships must be respectful of privacy. What we do know is that he has grown up around peers from soccer academies. For example, when training with Juventus’ youth, he played alongside other footballers’ children – Andrea Barzagli’s son Mattia and Claudio Marchisio’s son Davide were on the team. Likewise, at Manchester United’s academy he would have befriended local teammates of the under-12 squad. At school, he likely socializes with other students (The Ryleys is a small community, so he would know classmates in his year group).

Reports say that in Saudi Arabia, he’s training at Mahd Academy with players two years older. That suggests he’s pushed to interact with older kids on the pitch, which probably makes him adaptable. Outside of sports, he and his siblings are often pictured playing together at home – sharing toys or video games – hinting at normal childhood friendships. In public interviews, Ronaldo Sr. has mentioned that his kids play and joke with each other, suggesting they have a typical family dynamic.

In summary, nothing controversial is reported about Jr.’s personal friendships. He seems focused on soccer friends and family. If anything, his friend circle is likely centered on teammates and schoolmates. His parents have not given much detail, and no gossip columns have identified any school friends. It’s safe to say Ronaldo Jr. keeps his young life private, and aside from the pitches, his social life remains out of the spotlight.

Notable Moments and Public Attention

Several noteworthy incidents have brought Ronaldo Jr. into the spotlight:

  • Record-breaking youth goals: His goal totals at Juventus youth were widely reported – 58 goals in one season – and compared to his father’s senior record for a fun contrast. Likewise, his 50 goals in 20 Real youth games made headlines. These stats became talking points among fans and media as examples of his talent.
  • Scoring debut: News sites celebrated when Jr. scored on his debut for Juventus’ youth (matching his father’s trademark flair). The iconic “siuuu” celebration after such goals was captured on video and went viral among soccer fans.
  • Public appearances: Aside from the Ballon d’Or and awards shows, he has been present at several club ceremonies with his dad – for instance, trophy presentations and family events. Any time Cristiano Sr. makes news (transfers, big wins, interviews), cameras often catch Jr. by his side or in the audience, making him part of the story by association.
  • Media interviews: Cristiano Sr. has given interviews where he discusses Jr. For example, in a 2018 TV interview he quipped that his son claims he’ll be a better player, but joked “I think it’s difficult”. Such quotes get picked up by sports media, underscoring their interest in Jr.’s prospects.
  • Social media posts: While Jr. himself doesn’t post, Cristiano’s and Georgina’s profiles sometimes feature him. One memorable post was an Instagram family Christmas photo (matching pajamas), which Ronaldo captioned, “The most important part of Christmas.” Photos like that get millions of likes, making Jr. recognizable worldwide.
  • Interactions with teammates: Though not a headline, behind the scenes Jr. has been seen training with stars’ kids and interacting with players in youth camps. He’s also played in friendly matches (reportedly even scoring in exhibition games). In October 2023, after signing with Al-Nassr, news outlets noted he “will start training… in the next few days” with the club’s academy, signaling his official step onto the Al-Nassr stage.

In general, any public attention Ronaldo Jr. receives is positive or neutral – focusing on his potential. He has not been involved in any controversies. Fans admire him as a budding talent and are curious to see if he will eventually wear a professional jersey like his father. Meanwhile, Cristiano Sr. ensures any attention remains lighthearted; for example, a talkSPORT interviewer once had Ronaldo Sr. joking about giving advice to his son, and the teen even responded with a grin on camera.

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