Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. scores match-winning brace in Portugal U15's final triumph against Croatia
Image Source: Getty
Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.
, only 14 years old, took strides out of his father's long shadow to create his own narrative. He scored an important brace (his 11th and 12th goals) in the final of the
Vlatko Markovic International Tournament
, helping Portugal U15s from behind to a 3–2 win against Croatia. Wearing the revered number 7 shirt, the 14-year-old not only excels, he amazes the world of football with an early performance far beyond his age and certainly beyond his wildest dreams, announcing himself in his first final wearing the national colors and doing so in unforgettable style.
The goals, the celebration, and the spotlight
Cristiano Jr. sent himself on his way midway through the first half, when he controlled a through ball, took a touch, and lashed a shot into the top corner. The strike, as clean and powerful as anything seen in the senior ranks, left Croatia's goalkeeper standing still, and his teammates swarming him in celebration. And then the 'Siuuu' — the leap he had seen his father make famous. Even a few Croatian players adopted the party, a sweet indication of the regard in which the Ronaldo name is held.
But the magic wasn't over. With the score tied, 1-1, in the second half, Ronaldo Jr. displayed his instincts again, on this occasion with a fine run into the box and a perfectly timed header that put Portugal in the lead. Croatia equalised again, but Cabral's late winner made the difference.
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It was, however, the brace from Cristiano Jr. that made the difference, awarding him with the Man of the Match award and unquestionably cementing his name in the history books of the tournament.
Also Read:
Cristiano Jr. makes Portugal U-15 debut as proud dad Ronaldo celebrates on social media
A viral moment and a glimpse of what's to come
Social media exploded as soon as the final whistle sounded. Videos of his goals and celebration clogged platforms like X, Instagram, and TikTok, racking up millions of views within hours. The invocations of his father were bound to come, but the speed with which junior Ronaldo is making a name for his own is striking. Scouts across Europe quickly took notice, and now at least 16 big clubs are reportedly hot on the teenager's trail.
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