Latest news with #Under-15
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First Post
07-05-2025
- Sport
- First Post
'Proud of you, son': Ronaldo congratulates son as Cristiano Junior earns call-up for Portugal under-15 squad
The Portugal Under-15 squad call-up in many way completes a full circle for Cristiano Ronaldo Jr who has already played for youth teams of clubs that have been represented by his father. Cristiano Junior has played for Real Madrid, Juventus, Manchester United and Al-Nassr's youth teams. read more Cristiano Junior will now aim for the senior Portugal team, just like his father Ronaldo. Image: Reuters The next chapter of the Ronaldo legacy began on Tuesday when Cristiano Jr received his first call-up to Portugal's Under-15 squad, marking the start of what could become football's most compelling father-son succession story. The 14-year-old forward, currently developing at Al-Nassr's youth academy in Saudi Arabia, will join Portugal for a tournament in Croatia this month, facing Japan, Greece and England in his first taste of international football. Ronaldo congratulates Cristiano Junior 'Proud of you, son,' wrote 40-year-old Portugal captain Ronaldo on social media, sharing the squad announcement. The five-times Ballon d'Or winner, who led Portugal to the 2016 European Championship title, has scored a world record 136 goals in 219 internationals and will watch with parental pride as his eldest son looks to tread a similar path. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ronaldo Jr has already followed in his father's footsteps at club level, having played in the youth teams of the Portugal great's former clubs Real Madrid, Juventus and Manchester United, before moving to Saudi Arabia with his family. More from Football The teenager reportedly netted 58 goals during his stint in Italy, while clips of Ronaldo Jr mimicking his father's trademark 'Siu' celebration at Al-Nassr have gone viral. In 2022, Ronaldo said his son was eager to one day share the pitch with him. 'My son tells me, 'Dad, hold on a few more years, I want to play with you!'' he revealed at the time. Despite Ronaldo Jr being born in the United States and spending much of his early childhood in Spain - granting him eligibility for three nations - his call-up by Portugal is likely an indication of his future international allegiance. For a country whose modern football identity has been shaped by his father's remarkable two-decade reign, Ronaldo Jr's inclusion in Portugal's under-15 squad could be the first step in a generational succession that will capture headlines.
RTÉ News
02-05-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
FAI alleges two Ireland Under-15 players were racially abused
The FAI has alleged that two Republic of Ireland Under-15 players were the victims of "incidents of racism" during their clash against the UAE on Thursday. Ireland, taking part in the Torneo Delle Nazioni competition in Italy, won the game 2-0 thanks to a brace from Shamrock Rovers attacker Archie Quinn. It was a positive end to the week for the Boys in Green, who also drew 1-1 with Czechia, lost 2-0 against Austria and beat Saudi Arabia 3-0. However, the trip has been soured, with the FAI claiming three racist comments were made to two of the Irish players during the UAE match. The alleged incidents were reported to the match officials and tournament organisers. An FAI statement read: "The Football Association of Ireland can confirm that we have reported incidents of racism directed towards our players during the Ireland Boys Under-15s match with UAE on Thursday, 1 May. "Three separate comments, made towards two Irish players, have been reported to match officials and organisers of the Torneo Delle Nazioni tournament in Italy. The association has offered full support to the players affected as well as the teammates, staff and the families of the players involved. "The FAI does not tolerate any form of racism towards our players or staff, be it on a football pitch, at a stadium or online. Following another recent act of racism towards an Under-17s Ireland player in March, the FAI condemns such acts and expect a full investigation into the incidents that took place with appropriate action to be taken." Ireland Boys Under-15s head coach Jason Donohue added: "As players and staff we are appalled that we still have players subjected to racism in youth football. "Football is a global game that welcomes everybody and there is no place for racist behaviour. The players involved have our support, as do their families and teammates. We have a duty to our players and staff, present and future, to call out incidents like this and fully expect the relevant bodies to investigate this and apply strong disciplinary action." In March, the FAI made a complaint to UEFA after alleging a Republic of Ireland Under-17s player was racially abused during the second half of the team's Elite Phase qualification match against Poland. In June 2023, Republic of Ireland Under-21s players walked off the field when facing Kuwait Under-22s after an Irish sub was allegedly racially abused. The match was subsequently abandoned, with the Kuwait FA rejecting the claims.
