Saudi Pro League Passes on Messi, Ronaldo‘s Son makes Portugal U-16 Debut – azat TV
ANTALYA, TURKEY & RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – In a week of significant developments for the Ronaldo family and the Saudi Pro league, Cristiano Ronaldo’s eldest son, Cristiano dos Santos (Cristianinho), made his debut for Portugal’s under-16 national team while the Saudi League opted against pursuing a deal for Lionel Messi.
On Thursday in Antalya,Turkey,15-year-old Cristianinho entered the field as a 90th-minute substitute during Portugal’s 2-0 victory over Turkey in the Federations Cup tournament. The teenager currently trains wiht the Al-Nassr youth academy, the same Saudi club where his father plays, following previous call-ups to Portugal’s under-15 squad.
The debut marks a key milestone in Cristianinho’s burgeoning career, representing the first steps in forging his own path within the sport.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Pro League has signaled a shift in strategy by rejecting a short-term offer from Lionel Messi. This decision, reported by The Associated Press and FOX Sports, prioritizes long-term, sustainable progress of Saudi football over the immediate impact of celebrity signings. While a potential partnership between Ronaldo and Messi has seemingly faded, the league remains committed to building credibility and a lasting footballing future.
“Saudi Arabia’s refusal to act as a mere stopover for world stars like Messi signals a deeper commitment to building its football future,” a statement from the league indicated.
The developments highlight a changing landscape in football, with a focus on legacy and vision alongside the spectacle of star power.Cristianinho’s debut serves as a reminder that sporting legacies are constantly evolving, and the next generation is already stepping onto the international stage.
