Cristiano Ronaldo is one of a kind. A truly one-off athlete who has inspired a generation.
Well, what if there is another Ronaldo on the way? The next generation of talent could be led by Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.
It’s a big ask. Football is littered with famous sons who tried to follow in the footsteps of their successful dads and usually could not meet expectations.
David Beckham’s son Brooklyn had trials at Arsenal before giving up on a career. Diego Maradona’s son tried in Italy’s lower leagues before ending up as a ‘beach footballer’.
Phil Neville’s son Harvey tried briefly in United’s academy before leaving for Inter Miami last year, where he is so far yet to make a competitive first team appearance.
So the odds are stacked against Cristiano Ronaldo Jr making it. Yet with his dad defying expectations throughout his career, why not?
Ronaldo is training him and helping out, and during a session in Dubai, the youngster was seen in full Manchester United training gear kicking a ball about with his dad in the background.
There are exceptions. Kasper Schmeichel followed dad Peter Schmeichel to win the Premier League, even if he has not been quite as good, he has had an impressive career.
Ronaldo’s son may not be the only member of the 2008 Champions League winning side to try and make it at United.
Wayne Rooney’s son Kai is a couple of years older and making his way through Manchester United’s academy too.
The chances of both making it at United are slim, but what a story it would be if one or both of them managed to become superstars at Old Trafford.
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