USA/SAUDI ARABIA (HRNW): As Muslims around the world observe the holy month of Ramadan, an intriguing revelation has emerged regarding Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. Shaye Sharahili, a former teammate at Al-Nassr, shared during a recent interview that Ronaldo attempted to join his Muslim teammates in fasting last year.
According to Sharahili, the 41-year-old legend fasted for the first two days of Ramadan to personally experience what his colleagues undergo. The goal was to better understand the physical and mental discipline required to balance professional sports with religious fasting.
Key Highlights of the Disclosure:
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Personal Experiment: Sharahili clarified that Ronaldo’s move was a personal experience to connect with local culture and was not a religious conversion or a permanent commitment.
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The Challenge: While Ronaldo is known for his peak physical condition, he reportedly found the experience “challenging,” particularly due to the shift in daily routines, sleep patterns, and the intense physical demands of high-level football.
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Cultural Respect: The gesture was warmly received in the Al-Nassr dressing room and among fans, viewed as a sign of leadership and deep respect for Saudi traditions.
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Contract Status: Currently leading Al-Nassr, Ronaldo recently solidified his future in the Saudi Pro League by signing a contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2027.
Beyond the fasting experiment, Ronaldo has been seen frequently embracing local customs, including performing the traditional ‘bisht’ celebration and using Arabic greetings, further cementing his role as a cultural ambassador in the region.
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