Cristiano Ronaldo sends heartwarming message to his son, 14, after making his international debut for Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo took on the role of proud father on Tuesday afternoon after watching his teenage son make his debut for Portugal Under-15s.

After receiving his maiden call-up for the national team last week, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, 14, was named on the bench for Portugal’s clash with Japan at the Vlatko Markovic international tournament in Croatia.

He came on as a substitute in the 54th minute as Portugal recorded a convincing 4-1 victory.

Following the game, his legendary father, 40, posted a heartwarming message to his son as the youngster continues to follow in his footsteps.

‘Congratulations on your debut by @selecaoportugal, son. Very proud of you!’ Ronaldo Sr wrote on X, alongside pictures of his son in action.

Ronaldo Jr donned the No 7 shirt on his debut, the same jersey his father has famously worn at Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.

Ronaldo’s famous father posted a heartwarming message for his son on social media, and has previously talked about the pair playing together in the same team

Ronaldo Jr’s grandmother, Maria Dolores (pictured), watched the teenager from the sidelines

Having turned 40 in February, Ronaldo Sr is still playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, and has scored 33 goals in 39 appearances this season.

He has previously spoken about dreaming of playing in the same team as his son before hanging up his boots, and Jr making his debut for Portugal’s Under-15s on Tuesday indicated this could still be a realistic aim.

Ronaldo Sr made his senior Portugal debut in 2003 at the age of 18, and looks set to play in his sixth World Cup next year.

His son will turn 15 next month, and may have to fast-track his development if he is to play alongside Ronaldo Sr.

But Tuesday’s outing was a step in the right direction on a big day for the Ronaldo family.

Ronaldo Sr’s mother, Maria Dolores, watched her grandson from the sidelines in Croatia and the pair embraced after the match.

Portugal still have to play Greece and England at the youth tournament in the coming days.