Globally recognized as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact on the sport is simply undeniable. The star forward for Al-Nassr boasts an immense fan following, particularly among young admirers. In an extraordinary display of dedication, a young fan named Gong embarked on a remarkable six-month journey, cycling all the way from China to Saudi Arabia with the singular goal of meeting the football icon. Indeed, this remarkable story is as true as it sounds.
According to a detailed report from the South China Morning Post, 24-year-old Gong initiated his epic journey from his hometown on March 18, 2024. His odyssey took him through an array of diverse countries, including Kazakhstan, Georgia, Iran, and Qatar, before culminating in Riyadh, the bustling capital city of Saudi Arabia. Upon learning of Gong’s remarkable commitment and fervor to meet Ronaldo, the footballer’s management team arranged a personal meeting outside the Al Nassr Football Club, recognizing the sheer effort Gong invested in this unforgettable venture.
On the momentous day of October 20, Gong’s dreams came to fruition as he finally met his hero, Cristiano Ronaldo. The world-renowned Portuguese superstar graciously signed Gong’s football shirt, marking this pivotal moment, and posed for cherished photos with him, immortalizing their encounter.
This incredible journey was inspired by an unexpected setback: after Ronaldo canceled a trip to China in February due to a leg injury, Gong, undeterred by this disappointment, decided to embark on an adventurous ride to see the star in person. However, the journey presented numerous challenges along the way.
The South China Morning Post detailed that Gong traveled an astounding 13,000 kilometers on his bicycle, carrying essential supplies which included not only two powerful 60,000mAh power banks but also a tent, cooking utensils, clothing, and other necessities crucial for survival on the road. His incredible trip was not without its hurdles; soaring food prices in some regions forced him to survive on simple bread. Communication barriers eased with the aid of translation software, yet his journey also dealt him a severe blow when he fell ill with a fever in August.
After arriving in Riyadh on October 10, Gong faced a brief wait to finally meet Ronaldo, who was on a European tour at the time. On October 19, the kindness of fellow Ronaldo fan allowed Gong to enjoy a thrilling match between Al-Nassr and Al Shabab, intensifying his anticipation. The following day, October 20, became an unforgettable highlight of his life as he finally met Ronaldo. Besides signing Gong’s cherished T-shirt and capturing memorable photographs together, Ronaldo also personalized a banner bearing the names of Gong’s friends, writing, “What I dream of is true love and freedom,” further cementing a magical experience for the young fan.
