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Ronaldo and Rooney sons advance in football academies

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Key Points
  • Cristiano Ronaldo Jr is in Al-Nassr's academy and has trained with Real Madrid's youth side.
  • Kai Rooney is in Manchester United's academy and may receive a scholarship offer.
  • Both sons have achieved youth milestones while their famous fathers express support.

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, aged 15 or 16, is currently in the academy of Saudi club Al-Nassr, where his father plays for the first team. Kai Rooney, age 16, has been in Manchester United's academy since 2020 and finishes school in the summer.

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr is a forward who can play on either flank or through the middle. He has represented Portugal at youth level, earning his first call-up in May and playing at U17 level.

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr trained with Real Madrid's Under-16 side on Tuesday ahead of a potential future move. Al-Nassr is considering promoting him to first-team training for the 2026/27 season.

Manchester United is likely to offer Kai Rooney a scholarship in the summer or at the start of the new season, with a £50,000 per year deal.

I'm trying to make a name for myself, not try and be my dad because I'm my own person. I want to see how my career goes, obviously try to do the best I can and try to reach the biggest stages. I'm just focusing on me and to try to not let any pressure get to me and just keep working on me day by day, month by month.

Kai Rooney, Manchester United academy player

Kai Rooney played his first match at Old Trafford in an FA Youth Cup tie earlier this year, with his parents and first-team manager Michael Carrick attending.

Cristiano Ronaldo Sr has expressed a desire to play professional football alongside his son but says it is not an obsession.

Kai Rooney told his father Wayne to stop attending his grassroots football games because Wayne's presence caused crowds that disrupted watching the match.

Unknowns include whether Cristiano Ronaldo Jr will move to Real Madrid or be promoted by Al-Nassr, and whether Kai Rooney's scholarship will be finalized. It is also unclear if father-son professional pairings will materialize or how their long-term careers will develop.

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