Cristiano Ronaldo has offered an insight into his son’s football future, discussing his physical development, personality and mentality during a training session for Netflix Sports.
_x000D_The 41-year-old Portuguese star spoke about Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.’s progress at the Al-Nassr academy and compared his son’s physical development with his own childhood.
_x000D_Ronaldo believes his son could eventually become physically bigger and stronger than he was at the same age.
_x000D_“He’s a good kid. Honest, a good kid,†Ronaldo said while discussing his son. “When I was his age, he is a little bit bigger and stronger and I was smaller. I think he is going to be bigger than me.â€
_x000D_ _x000D_Cristiano Ronaldo on his son’s football development
_x000D_While physical development can provide an advantage, Ronaldo stressed that talent alone is not enough to succeed at the highest level.
_x000D_For Ronaldo, hunger and discipline are essential as a young player moves through the ranks.
_x000D_He explained that having access to excellent facilities at a young age can become less important if a player loses the desire to improve later in his career.
_x000D_“It doesn’t matter if you have access to facilities at age 16,†Ronaldo said. “If you don’t have hunger at age 20, what else? You have already everything. It becomes too much, all the comforts.â€
_x000D_The comments underline the importance Ronaldo places on mentality. Throughout his own career, the Portuguese forward has repeatedly been known for his intense approach to training and preparation.
_x000D_ _x000D_Ronaldo praises his son’s personality
_x000D_Ronaldo also spoke about Cristiano Jr.’s personality and family life away from football.
_x000D_The five-time Ballon d’Or winner described his eldest son as a well-behaved and honest child. He also joked about the different personalities among his children.
_x000D_“The others are tougher. The ones that I have at home are tough,†Ronaldo said with a laugh. “The small ones. He is no problem.â€
_x000D_Despite his famous surname, Cristiano Jr. has been developing within the Al-Nassr youth system rather than relying solely on his father’s reputation.
_x000D_ _x000D_Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. continues his Al-Nassr journey
_x000D_Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. joined the Al-Nassr academy after his father moved to Saudi Arabia. He has continued to progress through the club’s youth ranks while also gaining experience with Portugal’s youth teams.
_x000D_The teenager has attracted attention for his physical qualities and goalscoring ability. He has also collected individual awards after productive campaigns in youth competitions.
_x000D_His development has led to opportunities with Portugal’s youth setup, giving him further experience at international level.
_x000D_However, his father appears keen to emphasize that physical ability is only one part of becoming a professional footballer.
_x000D_The youngster will need to continue developing his technique, decision-making and mentality as he moves into higher levels of competition.
_x000D_ _x000D_Ronaldo sets the standard for his son
_x000D_Cristiano Ronaldo remains one of football’s most prominent figures, and his continued performances provide his son with an extraordinary example to follow.
_x000D_At 41, the Portugal captain continues to maintain demanding professional standards. His career has been built around discipline, physical preparation and an intense desire to compete.
_x000D_For Cristiano Jr., following in those footsteps will bring enormous expectations.
_x000D_Nevertheless, Ronaldo’s comments suggest that he is more concerned with his son developing the right mentality than simply following his career path.
_x000D_ As Cristiano Jr. continues his journey through the Al-Nassr academy, his physical growth and natural ability will remain important. Ultimately, however, his father believes that hunger, discipline and a willingness to work hard will determine how far he can go in professional football.
