Cristiano Ronaldo is taking part in what is expected to be his final World Cup in 2026, but his son could continue his legacy from 2030 onwards if he continues on his current trajectory.

Recently turned 16, Cristiano Junior has trained in the youth academies of Manchester United, Juventus and Al-Nassr. He’s also represented Portugal at Under-15 and Under-16 level.

If he continues on that path, he’ll take over from his father, provided the teenager is deemed good enough to play for the senior team eventually. He has already overtaken his 6’2″ dad in height and has scored a huge number of goals in his youth career.

A tug-of-war could break out soon enough as Cristiano Jr could technically ply his trade for five different countries. But who are they and what is the link to Ronaldo’s son?

Ronaldo Jr Has 5 World Cup Nations to Choose From

Portugal

REUTERS/Phil Noble

The most obvious nation the youngster could choose to represent is that of his father. Ronaldo Jr wasn’t born in his dad’s homeland, but looks most likely to choose the 2026 World Cup favourites as his international team.

United States of America

Albert Gea via Reuters

The young forward was born in La Mesa, California. That means he could be donning the colours of the USMNT for the next World Cup. They have been one of the surprise packages of this year’s competition so far, but this would be an incredible coup to snap up the child of one of football’s greats.

Spain

REUTERS/Annegret Hilse

Under Spanish law, Ronaldo Jr could apply for citizenship and become a member of Luis de la Fuente’s European champions. This is because he spent more than three years living in the country while his dad was playing for Real Madrid.

England

England stars via Reuters: Sanjin Strukic/PIXSELL/Sipa USA

If he keeps improving and scoring goals, there’s every chance the English Football Association will throw an interested glance in the 16-year-old’s direction. Having a Ronaldo turning out for England would be incredible to see. Again, he could become a British citizen due to the time his father spent at Manchester United.

Cape Verde

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The least likely of his future international teams is Cape Verde. That’s if he takes footballing reasons into account. The African minnows have qualified for their second-ever World Cup in 2026, but can’t compete with the four other powerhouses Ronaldo Jr can pick from. However, he is entitled to play for them through his biological grandmother, Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro.

Liverpool believe that Yan Diomande is now keen to join the club, according to TeamTalk, which is the reason behind their latest push to sign the winger this summer.

The 19-year-old has taken the world by storm in recent months, with his move from Leganes to RB Leipzig placing him on the Bundesliga stage.

While he had drawn interest, all eyes have been on the forward at the World Cup, where he has performed well for the Ivory Coast in the early phases of the competition so far.

As focus persists on Diomande, Liverpool have made an offer that was firmly rejected by RB Leipzig, but the plan seems to be that another bid is on the way.

Yan Diomande Wants Liverpool Move

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According to the report from TeamTalk, Liverpool are growing in optimism that Diomande is keen on joining the club this summer, which is behind their recent push to land the forward.

It comes as Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with the star, who has openly admitted that he would like to compete in Ligue Un if given the chance.

While that seemed to hand the Champions League holders the advantage, the report from TeamTalk suggests that Liverpool believe a deal could now get done.

The Reds have spent a considerable amount of time with the player’s representatives discussing a possible deal, and have recently given an in-depth look of where they see his future in the team.

That is claimed to have excited Diomande, who is a key target as part of the new era under Andoni Iraola. Personal terms are thought not to be an issue, with the largest remaining obstacle being the club-to-club talks over a fee.

Liverpool Need To Seal Deal Quickly

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Diomande is quite clearly an unbelievable talent, who has been described as “unstoppable” on his day, with his rapid ascent showing his quality.

Given his World Cup performances, and the interest from elsewhere, it’s clear that Liverpool need to get a deal done quickly while they’re ahead of others in the negotiating stage.

PSG are also in the hunt and any deal could help free up Bradley Barcola for a move, as he has been linked with a potential switch to Anfield this summer.

However, Diomande remains priority number one for good reason, and the fee shouldn’t be prohibitive of landing an important star for the future.

Arsenal are ramping up their efforts to sign some key transfer targets this summer, as the Daily Mail gives an update on one potential signing.

It comes as the Gunners are looking to take the squad forward another step, having recently secured their first Premier League title in 22 years.

Mikel Arteta is sticking around and hoping to make that a regular occurrence at the Emirates Stadium, with a squad already built to challenge again next season.

Some new arrivals could see the team evolve even further, with talks underway to sign Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge as a squad option.

Then there’s the interest in Morgan Rogers, which appears to be heating up.

Arsenal Ready Morgan Rogers Move

Arsenal’s interest in Aston Villa star Rogers is well-known at this point, with the England international viewed as a key target for the Gunners, as well as their rivals Chelsea.

As the Europa League winners need to sell this summer, the playmaker is viewed as an ideal option to poach, but the Daily Mail reports that any deal could cost upwards of £85 million.

Despite that, the report claims that Arsenal are willing to step up their interest in Rogers, while their players are helping with a charm offensive to convince him that it is the right move to make.

It’s stated that his England teammates, most namely Declan Rice, are attempting to convince the 23-year-old that he could be an ideal addition to the squad.

It remains to be seen whether that will work, but it could ultimately get a deal over the line for a player who could add an extra dimension to the team.

Rogers has been described as a “superstar”, and for good reason, after an impressive campaign with Aston Villa. His skillset may be the difference between Arsenal retaining the title or missing out.

Who Else Are Arsenal Targeting?

Arsenal have their sights set on Rogers, but there are other players that appear to be targeted for a potential move over the coming weeks of the summer transfer window.

Beyond Tzolis, the Daily Mail reports that Julian Alvarez is still admired, even though Atletico Madrid have set a firm stance against selling the striker this summer.

In the midfield, Alex Scott is viewed as a possible addition from Bournemouth, though the Cherries are trying to get the star tied down to a new contract that could include a release clause.

All of them could be quality additions, but some sales could be required before the Gunners get to work on making some signings.