Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. makes Portugal U17 debut days after father’s international retirement

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. has made his debut for Portugal’s Under-17 team, just one week after his father announced his retirement from international football.

The 16-year-old forward came off the bench in the 73rd minute of Portugal’s 4-0 victory over Andorra in a European Championship qualifier in Lisbon on Thursday.

According to ESPN⁠, Ronaldo Jr., who plays for Al Nassr’s academy, entered the match with Portugal already four goals ahead. Sporting CP’s Diego Farinha scored twice, while Santos FC’s Kauã Miranda converted a penalty and Braga’s Rafael Cabral also found the net.

The youngster came close to marking his debut with a goal late in the match, but his header drifted wide.His first appearance for the U17 side comes shortly after his father’s international career ended.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a record 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal over 23 years. Ronaldo Jr. is expected to feature against Bulgaria on Saturday before Portugal face Serbia on November 17.