Passing the baton: Ronaldo Jr joins game’s famous family dynasties

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr has been named in Portugal's under-17 squad for the UEFA Under-17 Championship, a move that could not have come at a better time for the 16-year-old. The call-up comes a week after his father, Cristiano Ronaldo, retired from international football after a 20-year career marked by 146 goals in 234 appearances.

At 6ft 3ins tall, Ronaldo Jr shares his father's height and a strong desire to score goals. Ronaldo made his senior international debut in 2003 and now finds his eldest son vying for recognition in the same tournament. Ronaldo Jr is not the first son of a football legend to embark on a career of his own. For instance, Paolo Maldini, Paolo's father Cesare also played for AC Milan and earned over 100 caps for Italy.

Meanwhile, Paolo's brother Daniel, currently playing for Cagliari, has made nine appearances for the Italian national team. Another example is the Cruyff family, with Johan and Jordi both having successful careers. Jordi, though not quite matching his father Johan's heights or achievements, enjoyed success at Barcelona and Manchester United.

Diego Simeone and his son Giuliano also follow a similar path, with Giuliano playing as a forward for Atletico Madrid and being part of Argentina's 2026 World Cup squad. The Weah family, consisting of George and Timothy, are also notable football dynasties. George, a former Liberian striker and 1995 Ballon d'Or winner, played for AC Milan while Timothy, now a player for New York City FC on loan from Juventus, has represented the US team.

Lastly, the Haaland family, comprised of Alf-Inge and Erling Haaland, represents a new generation of football greats. Erling, who has won two Premier League titles while playing for Manchester City, has surpassed his father's achievements and continues to be one of the world's top strikers.