🔴 Flash: Ronaldo Jr chooses DR Congo!

It's the news shaking the Democratic Republic of Congo and electrifying the football world in recent hours! While he could have represented up to five different nations on the international stage, Cristiano Ronaldo Junior, son of the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo, has ultimately decided to opt for DR Congo, the land of his ancestors.

Proud of his African roots, the 14-year-old talent thus honors the legacy of his great-grandmother, Isabel da Piedade Kasongo, originally from Mbuji-Mayi, Kasai-Oriental.

According to sources close to the Ronaldo family, contacted by Foot Africa, it was Maria Dolores Aveiro, Cristiano Ronaldo's mother, who played a key role in this decision. Of Congolese-Cape Verdean descent, she wished to pay tribute to her father, Robert Kasongo, and her family origins.

A multitude of options... but a choice from the heart

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr benefits from an incredible array of options due to his birth, family origins, and life experiences.

Born in the United States, he could have worn the American national team jersey. His Portuguese ancestry naturally opens the doors to the Seleção. His several years in Spain, during his father's time at Real Madrid, also grant him eligibility for La Roja. Not to mention England, where he lived for more than five years during CR7's two stints at Manchester United, making him eligible for the Three Lions as well.

But it is Africa that has captured his heart! Touched by his heritage, Ronaldo Jr has decided to represent the DR Congo U17 Leopards. A historic decision for Congolese football, which could see the arrival of a player followed by media across the globe.

Meeting with FECOFA and CR7's blessing

In the past hours, the young player reportedly met with the leaders of the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA), accompanied by his grandmother, to finalize his integration into the team. He even had a discussion with coach Sébastien Desabre to talk about the preparation program.

Cristiano Ronaldo himself is said to be very proud of this strong choice. Known for giving paramount importance to family values, CR7 could only encourage his son in this path. Especially since his mother, Maria Dolores Aveiro, has always had a major influence on his decisions.

A huge coup for Congolese football... or almost!

The announcement of Ronaldo Jr joining the Congolese team immediately set social media ablaze and sparked a wave of enthusiasm among African supporters. Such a choice would undoubtedly have been a historic turning point for the continent's football...

Except... if this news seems too good to be true, it might be because it is! On this April 1st, football fans can always dream of a future where the biggest stars turn to Africa... but for now, this story will remain a beautiful legend.

Amine Jomni |

Editorfr

African football writer and sports journalist covering football news, stories and insights while sharing his expertise with fans across the continent.