Ronaldo Receives Hero’s Welcome In Hong Kong During Al Nassr Match
Cristiano Ronaldo received a massive welcome from fans in Hong Kong on Tuesday when he played for Saudi club Al Nassr in a 2-1 Saudi Super Cup win against Al Ittihad. The excited crowd cheered loudly from the moment he stepped out to warm up, making it clear that the Portuguese star remains hugely popular across Asia even at 40 years old.
Fans screamed “Ronaldo, Ronaldo” every time he touched the ball and even tried to run onto the pitch after the final whistle to get close to him. At least three young supporters invaded the field, but security officials stopped them from reaching the football icon. Many supporters also camped outside his hotel and even booked rooms just to get a glimpse of him.
The atmosphere was very different from last year when Lionel Messi stayed on the bench during a friendly match in Hong Kong with Inter Miami. Messi’s absence angered thousands of fans and even led to calls for ticket refunds and cancelled games in China. Some politicians and media outlets viewed it as a big insult, especially since Messi later appeared in a similar match in Japan.
Ronaldo not only played but also registered an assist, helping his team secure the win after Sadio Mane had given Al Nassr the lead. Mane was later sent off after a VAR review and Al Ittihad equalised shortly after. Ronaldo set up the winning goal in the second half for fellow Portuguese player Joao Felix, who calmly scored from close range.
The game also featured the presence of another football star, Karim Benzema, who led the attack for Al Ittihad. Yet, the crowd’s focus remained firmly on Ronaldo throughout the match, cheering his every move and reacting loudly to his shots and free-kicks.
Local media reported that Ronaldo became emotional when he was informed about the love and support he was receiving from young fans in Hong Kong. He reportedly said that such appreciation “means more to me than any trophy”, showing how much the moment mattered to him personally.
Why was Ronaldo’s appearance so important to the people of Hong Kong? Many believe his decision to play the full match showed respect to the fans and helped rebuild trust after last year’s disappointment involving Messi.
The night ended with cheers, smiles, and memories that many in the crowd will never forget, with Ronaldo once again proving why he remains one of the most loved and respected footballers in the world.
