Fans on social media offer their verdicts on Ronaldo Jr's Portugal U15 debut

Fans on social media were less than impressed after footage emerged of Cristiano Ronaldo Jr's Under 15 debut for Portugal.

After receiving his maiden call-up for the national team last week, Ronaldo Jr, 14, was named on the bench for Portugal's clash with Japan at the Vlatko Markovic international tournament in Croatia.

He came on as a substitute in the 54th minute as Portugal recorded a convincing 4-1 victory.

Ronaldo Jr donned the No 7 shirt on his debut, the same jersey his father has famously worn at Man United, Real Madrid and Juventus.

But it would be fair to say the youngster did not exactly emulate his father's ability on the pitch, which led to one fan labelling him a 'nepotism' selection, and others turning their noses up at his highlights.

One user wrote on X: 'This is one of the biggest cases of nepotism I've seen in recent times. He’s nowhere near the level of the other youngsters in the squad.'

'It’s true that the body language is off and the way he doesn’t seem to be at the level of the rest on the pitch. That is clear,' another user said.

A third wrote: 'He has no talent. He is weak in passing, dribbling, and physical contact. There is also no football school with a football heritage and a clear philosophy in which he trained.'

Ronaldo, 40, represented the Portugal U15s on nine occasions in 2001 before quickly accelerating through the youth ranks.

He went on to become Portugal's all-time leading goalscorer with 136 goals from 219 appearances, winning the European Championship in 2016 and Nations League in 2019.

Having turned 40 in February, Ronaldo Sr is still playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, while Ronaldo Jr suits up for the Saudi side's academy.

He has previously spoken about dreaming of playing in the same team as his son before hanging up his boots, and Jr making his debut for Portugal's U15s on Tuesday indicated this could still be a realistic aim.

Ronaldo Sr made his senior Portugal debut in 2003 at the age of 18, and looks set to play in his sixth World Cup next year.

His son will turn 15 next month, and may have to fast-track his development if he is to play alongside Ronaldo Sr.