Cristiano Ronaldo’s son makes Portugal Under-17 debut as Barcelona star watches on

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr made his first appearance for Portugal Under-17s in a convincing victory over Andorra in European Under-17 Championship qualifying.

The 16-year-old came on in the 73rd minute, with Portugal already leading 4-0, as coach Rui…? [No coach name in source; don’t add.] altered the system to play with two forwards.

The match was watched closely by members of Portugal’s senior squad from the national training centre in Oeiras. Among those following the game were Vitinha, Barcelona’s Joao Cancelo, Joao Felix and Joao Neves.

Ronaldo Jr did not start the match and wore the number 18 shirt rather than the number seven previously worn by his father at the same age for Portugal.

He came close to marking his debut with a spectacular goal late in the game. In the 86th minute, a cross from the left found him inside the penalty area, where he managed to direct a header towards goal despite two defenders being nearby.

The effort passed just wide of the post and went out of play, although the substitutes’ bench briefly celebrated, believing the ball had gone in.

Diego Farinha scored twice for Portugal, who had established a four-goal advantage by the time Ronaldo Jr entered the field. The forward’s late chance was described as Portugal’s best opportunity to add to the score.

Ronaldo Jr’s height and slender frame attracted attention during his brief spell on the pitch. Although he still needs to develop physically, something considered normal at his age, his stature gives him a potential threat in aerial situations.

Spanish newspaper AS said there was nothing in his playing style to suggest he was a direct copy of his father, but added that his career was continuing in the right direction.

The appearance marked another step in the international career of the Al Nassr academy player, whose progress is being followed closely because of his links with Cristiano Ronaldo.

There was little else of note from his time on the pitch, but his presence was enough to draw attention as Portugal began another stage of his development with the Under-17 side.