{
  "id": 8927123,
  "title": "Could Cristiano Ronaldo play with his son at 2030 World Cup?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/could-cristiano-ronaldo-play-with-his-son-at-2030-world-cup",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-21T13:01:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/sport/football/could-cristiano-ronaldo-play-with-his-son-at-2030-world-cup-1.500682584"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Could Cristiano Ronaldo potentially take the field alongside his 16-year-old son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., for the 2030 World Cup held in Portugal? While it may seem like a far-fetched notion, the opportunity could become a reality should certain factors align. The Portuguese national team will co-host the tournament, and it's conceivable that Ronaldo and his son could share the pitch together.\n\nRonaldo, part of the new Portugal squad compiled by coach Jorge Jesus for upcoming Nations League games, has expressed his intention to continue his international career beyond the 2026 World Cup. Current form and exceptional fitness are often cited as reasons why the 45-year-old could still be gracing the pitch at the highest level. Former Manchester United midfielder Eric Djemba-Djemba, who trained with Ronaldo extensively, believes the player could continue playing until the ages of 44 or 45.\n\nDjemba-Djemba is confident that Ronaldo should be included in the 2030 World Cup roster if he remains active at that time. Meanwhile, Cristiano Jr. has already proven his talent on the youth level, scoring both goals in a recent match for Al-Nassr's Under-17 team, leading his side to a 2-1 victory over Al-Ahli in the Saudi youth league.\n\nAlthough Ronaldo Jr.'s potential call-up to the senior Portugal squad is still years away, his development will undoubtedly be closely monitored. Djemba-Djemba envisions a father-son appearance at the 2030 World Cup as the ideal conclusion to Ronaldo's international career, with the son potentially joining the pitch if the elder Ronaldo is still active. While Ronaldo's son may struggle to match his father's level of skill, the story of a father and son playing together at a World Cup would be unforgettable.",
  "summary": "Could Cristiano Ronaldo play alongside his son Cristiano Ronaldo Jr for Portugal at the 2030 World Cup? It may sound like a far-fetched dream, but the possibility could become a reality if the pieces fall into place. Portugal will co-host the 2030 World Cup, and there is a chance the tournament could feature the extraordinary sight of Cristiano Ronaldo sharing the pitch with his son. Ronaldo, who…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}