Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival in Hong Kong with his club Al Nassr for the Saudi Super Cup has ignited a wave of excitement among fans. The Portuguese superstar's presence guarantees a major spectacle for local fans, who will get a rare chance to see the legend play live. Al Nassr is set to face Al Ittihad in the semi-finals on August 19 at the Hong Kong Stadium.
Ronaldo's influence extends beyond the pitch. A museum dedicated to chronicling his illustrious career recently opened in Hong Kong, further solidifying his connection with the city. On August 17, 2025, Ronaldo made a surprise visit to the CR7 Life Museum in Tsim Sha Tsui, causing a frenzy among fans who had waited for hours to catch a glimpse of their idol.
Born on February 5, 1985, in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, nicknamed CR7, is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players in history. His journey began at Sporting CP before he signed with Manchester United in 2003. At United, he evolved into a star player, securing three consecutive Premier League titles, the Champions League, and the FIFA Club World Cup. His outstanding performance in the 2007–08 season earned him his first Ballon d'Or at the age of 23.
In 2009, Ronaldo moved to Real Madrid for a then-record fee of €94 million (£80 million). He spent nine seasons in Madrid, becoming the club's record goalscorer with 450 goals and playing a crucial role in the team's four Champions League titles in a five-year span. In 2018, he joined Juventus for €100 million and won two Serie A titles. After a return to Manchester United in 2021, he signed with Al-Nassr in January 2023. At Al Nassr, he receives the highest salary in football history, with an annual salary of €200 million. In June 2025, he agreed to remain with Al Nassr through 2027.
Ronaldo made his international debut for Portugal in 2003 at age 18 and has earned over 200 caps, making him the most-capped male player in history. He has played in eleven major tournaments and captained Portugal to victory at Euro 2016, the country's first major title, and the UEFA Nations League in 2019. He is also the all-time top male goalscorer with over 100 international goals.
His individual accolades include five Ballon d'Or awards, a record three UEFA Men's Player of the Year Awards, and four European Golden Shoes. He was also named five times the world's best player by FIFA. In recognition of his achievements, he received special awards for Outstanding Career Achievement by FIFA in 2021 and Champions League All-Time Top Scorer by UEFA in 2024.
Ronaldo's drive stems from a relentless pursuit of perfection, an insatiable hunger for goals, and an unwavering commitment to his team. Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Ronaldo is also known for his philanthropy and dedication to various social causes. He is one of the world's most marketable athletes and was ranked the world's highest-paid athlete by Forbes on five occasions. Time magazine included him in their list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2014.
