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Cristiano Ronaldo admitted there will be one key challenge to his son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, becoming a professional footballer.
The 14-year-old is currently in the Al Nassr Academy, where his father is currently in the first team.
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He has followed Ronaldo around, joining the academies of Juventus and Manchester United while the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was there.
There have been early signs that he has picked up some of his father’s talents, with reports saying he scored 58 goals in one season at Juve.
Speaking about his son on Saudi Pro League: Kickoff, Ronaldo said: “He’s a good kid. The other ones are more tougher, the small ones at home. This one is no problem.
“When I was his age, he is a little bit bigger and stronger. I was smaller. I think he will be bigger than me.”
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Ronaldo’s friend said: “Let’s see if he has the hunger.”
Ronaldo responded: “The hunger is the most difficult.”
The 39-year-old grew up in relative poverty in Madeira, admitting that his family struggled to put food on the table.
In one interview he talked about begging for food outside a McDonald’s at the stadium where his father worked as a kitman.
Ronaldo has gone on to become the highest paid sportsperson in the world, with his net worth estimated to be around £630million in 2024.
He was also seen speaking to other academy players at Al Nassr in the documentary.
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Ronaldo said: “It makes me happy to be here, not just because my son is here too. This age is very important because they in four or five years they will be professional.
“So my advice is to believe, listen to coaches, work hard, don’t sleep late. This is what I say to Cristiano.
“I really believe that in a few years one of them, a few of them, will be in the first team.”
“To be honest I think it will be the most difficult sector there. It’s very easy to say ‘good’ about everything, but with some things you have to be honest.
“They have huge potential, but you have to invest very, very hard.”
