As of 3:54 p.m
Celebrated hero in the game against Al-Shabab: Cristiano Ronaldo
What: REUTERS
Cristiano Ronaldo scores a crucial goal for his Al-Nassr team in Saudi Arabia. The superstar is celebrated above all for his subsequent gesture. Now there is speculation that he would convert.
Ssuperstar Cristiano Ronaldo bowed to Allah after scoring a winning goal, causing great joy in the Arab world. The Portuguese striker performed the typical Muslim prayer posture after putting his Saudi team in the lead, Arab media reported on Wednesday. Al-Nassr, from the capital Riyadh, started 2-0 down in Tuesday night’s game but, thanks to Ronaldo’s goal, eventually won 3-2 against local rivals Al-Shabab, also from Riyadh.
Videos online show Ronaldo, surrounded by his teammates, kneeling on the pitch and touching the ground with his hands and head. Muslims believe that in this position, known as Sujud, they come closest to God. It is always performed toward the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, which is considered the central sanctuary of Islam. Many Muslim footballers also thank God with the gesture after successful shots on goal.
Which: pa/AA/Mohammed Saad
Arab fans were enthusiastic about Ronaldo’s Sujud. Some even expressed hope on social media that the 38-year-old could convert to Islam. Others interpreted the bow as a gesture of respect to Muslim believers.
Ronaldo’s club is second
The Spanish newspaper “Mundo Deportivo”, on the other hand, recently reported that Ronaldo wanted to leave Saudi Arabia as soon as possible because he could no longer bear the situation in the country. So far he has not commented on the situation or his life in the strictly conservative Gulf state.
Almost six months ago, Ronaldo signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Saudi club. According to media reports, including advertising revenue, he should get the equivalent of around 200 million euros per season. His club Al-Nassr is currently second in the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Ittihad from the port city of Jeddah leading the table.
