Why Ronaldo Jr will choose Portugal ahead of US, Cape Verde
Cristiano Ronaldo’s son has several options for his international football career, but his growing involvement with Portugal’s youth teams suggests that he could follow his father’s footsteps rather than represent the United States or Cape Verde.
Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. appears to be moving closer to choosing Portugal as his international football destination, despite having other countries linked to his eligibility.
The 16-year-old has already represented Portugal at Under-15 and Under-16 levels. He has now received an invitation to join the country’s Under-17 squad, taking another step towards establishing himself in the Portuguese national team system.
According to Spanish publication Bolavip, the youngster has five potential national-team options but is currently putting four of them on hold.
The development has brought renewed attention to his international future, particularly because he was born in the United States and has family connections to Cape Verde.
Here are the reasons Portugal could emerge as his preferred choice.
1. His father’s influence and Portugal’s football legacy
One of the biggest reasons Ronaldo Jr. could choose Portugal is his father’s long-standing relationship with the national team.
Cristiano Ronaldo has spent more than two decades representing Portugal and remains the country’s most recognisable football figure.
He captained the team to its first European Championship title in 2016 and later helped it win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
Growing up around that footballing legacy could make Portugal an attractive choice for his son.
Representing the same country would also give Ronaldo Jr. an opportunity to continue the family connection with Portuguese football.
2. He is already developing within Portugal’s youth system
Unlike the United States and Cape Verde, Portugal has already given Ronaldo Jr. an opportunity to develop at international level.
The youngster made his debut for Portugal’s Under-15 team in May 2025 before progressing to the Under-16 side.
His latest Under-17 invitation further strengthens his connection with the country’s football structure.
He has reportedly scored five goals in 13 appearances across Portugal’s Under-15 and Under-16 teams.
Continuing with the same national setup could provide stability as he develops towards senior football.
3. Why he could turn down the United States
The United States is another major option because Ronaldo Jr. was born in California in June 2010.
His birthplace gives him American citizenship, making the US national team a genuine alternative to Portugal.
However, the youngster has so far chosen to develop his international career with Portugal.
The American option would offer a different footballing pathway, but switching to another national setup would mean leaving the youth structure where he has already established himself.
4. Why Cape Verde may not be his preferred option
Cape Verde has also been mentioned because of Ronaldo Jr.’s reported family ancestry.
The African country has attracted attention following reports that the youngster could have a connection to the nation through his paternal family.
However, ancestry alone does not guarantee eligibility to represent Cape Verde under FIFA regulations.
His potential eligibility would depend on the relevant nationality and footballing requirements being satisfied.
Portugal, by comparison, already has him involved in its youth international teams.
Can Ronaldo Jr. still change his international decision?
Yes. Representing Portugal at youth level does not automatically mean Ronaldo Jr. is permanently tied to the country for his senior international career.
FIFA regulations provide specific conditions under which players can change their national-team association.
His eventual decision will depend on his eligibility, career development and personal preference.
For now, Portugal appears to have the strongest position because the youngster is already progressing through its youth teams.
Although he has other potential options, following his father’s footsteps could eventually make Portugal his choice for senior international football.