The Ronaldo craze

After more than two decades of playing at the highest level, Cristiano Ronaldo still generates tremendous appeal whenever he appears.

The Saudi Super Cup semi-final between Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad in Hong Kong once again proved that the "Ronaldo fever" has never cooled down, regardless of age or geographical distance.

A celebration with Ronaldo as the "leading star".

On August 19th, the Hong Kong stadium was not just the venue for a match, but the focal point of a true football festival. Tens of thousands of spectators flocked there from early morning, turning every road leading to the stadium into a sea of ​​jerseys bearing Ronaldo's name.

Some came from Hong Kong, Macau, and China; others traveled long distances from Saudi Arabia. They all shared one simple yet powerful reason: to see Ronaldo play.

The presence of the Portuguese superstar transformed a Saudi Super Cup semi-final – not one of the world's most prestigious tournaments – into an international event. The atmosphere outside the stadium was like a major football festival: drums blared, flags fluttered, and free scarves were distributed. Fans cheered and sang, creating a colorful and energetic scene.

It's worth noting that many fans are willing to spend huge sums of money just to see their idols in person. Man Li, a 32-year-old manager from Chongqing, spent over 10,000 yuan on tickets, hotels, and transportation.

He stated frankly: "Winning or losing doesn't matter, what matters is that I got to see Ronaldo play. If I had missed it, I would probably regret it for the rest of my life." That story partly explains the almost religious allure that Ronaldo possesses – a kind of love that transcends the results on the field.

The presence of the Portuguese superstar transformed a Saudi Super Cup semi-final – which is not one of the world's most prestigious tournaments – into an event of international significance.

Many young people also show their enduring admiration for CR7. Mai Kaiqi, 21, from Macau, spent nearly 3,000 Hong Kong dollars just to enter the stadium and believed Ronaldo would score. For a generation that grew up with his spectacular goals and glorious moments, meeting their idol is like fulfilling a childhood dream.

Ronaldo's immense popularity was also reflected in the small details: the stalls selling fake jerseys with CR7's name hastily set up outside the stadium, or the fact that the bus carrying Al-Nassr had just arrived when crowds poured onto Caroline Hill in a frenzy. All of this proves that Ronaldo remains a global icon, creating events wherever he goes.

Inside the stadium, 30,653 spectators filled the stands. Even with ample space compared to maximum capacity, the atmosphere reached an unprecedented level of fervor. The moment Ronaldo touched the ball, cheers erupted, and thousands of phones were immediately raised. It wasn't just about cheering; it was a ritual to preserve the moment of witnessing a legend in person.

Another noteworthy point is how Saudi Arabia used the match as an opportunity to promote the country. The "Visit Saudi" booth offered free gifts and travel guides printed in simplified Chinese – clearly targeting the Chinese tourist market.

However, amidst all those marketing efforts, what people truly felt was the authentic spirit of football, where the ultras of Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad transformed the stands into their own "stage".

In the North Stand, Al-Ittihad fans were led by loudspeakers, drums, and giant flags. In the South, Al-Nassr supporters swarmed under banners reading "Nassr Army".

That contrast created a constantly turbulent atmosphere in the stadium. An Al-Nassr fan shared his hope that his team would win so that the whole group could perform the famous "Viking Thunder Clap" - an act that unites the community and spreads pride.

Why does Ronaldo attract so many fans?

It's also worth mentioning the football aspect: Al-Nassr, down to 10 men, still managed a dramatic 2-1 victory against Al-Ittihad. But as many fans acknowledge, the score wasn't the most important thing. This match is remembered first and foremost for its special atmosphere, where Ronaldo was the center of attention and cheers.

Ronaldo is not just a goalscorer; he is also an example of ambition and a never-give-up spirit.

This raises the question: why, at the age of 40, can Ronaldo still maintain an unparalleled appeal compared to any of his peers? Perhaps it's due to a rare combination of talent, willpower, and iconic image.

Ronaldo is not just a goalscorer; he is also an inspiration for ambition and a never-give-up spirit. For millions, seeing him on the field means seeing living proof that age or challenges cannot stop the belief in greatness.

On August 19th, the Hong Kong stadium witnessed not just a football match, but also a testament to the power of football in connecting people. From Chongqing and Nanjing to Jeddah, from young students to middle-aged managers, everyone shared a common heartbeat for one man: Cristiano Ronaldo.

And when the final whistle blew, what remained was not just Al-Nassr's victory, but a confirmation: the "Ronaldo fever" continues to spread, regardless of time or space. A star may age, but the aura of a legend – if great enough – will never fade.

Source: https://znews.vn/con-sot-ronaldo-post1578385.html