In a historic visit, Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain of Al-Nassr, received a heartwarming reception in Iran on Monday. This visit marked the first time a Saudi Arabian team had set foot in Iran since 2016, signifying the restoration of relations between the two nations just ahead of the Asian Champions League group stage.
Al-Nassr was scheduled to face Iranian side Persepolis in Group E on Tuesday, while Qatar’s Al-Duhail was set to play Istiklol Dushanbe of Tajikistan. The streets of Iran were abuzz with excitement as fans gathered, brandishing welcoming banners and images of Ronaldo upon the arrival of the Saudi Arabian team.
This significant development was made possible through an agreement between the two local federations, facilitated by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The AFC announced that matches between Saudi and Iranian teams would now be held on a home-and-away basis, effectively ending a five-year period during which matches had been played on neutral territory. Diplomatic tensions between the two nations had prevented Saudi nationals from traveling to Iran during this period.
The fervor of Iranian supporters was evident as they flocked to the team’s hotel, undeterred by security personnel. Chants of Ronaldo’s name filled the air, with children and women proudly displaying pictures of the Portuguese captain. The enthusiasm reached a symbolic peak as Al-Nassr shared photos of Ronaldo graciously receiving a luxurious handcrafted Iranian carpet from Persepolis supporters.
The heartfelt gesture from Persepolis fans spoke volumes: “Mr. Cristiano Ronaldo, welcome to Iran. A token of appreciation, an original hand-woven piece of art made by Iranian artists to commemorate your presence in Iran, on behalf of Persepolis’s fans.”
Children donned Al-Nassr and Portugal shirts adorned with Ronaldo’s name and number, while some fans even recreated the iconic celebrations of the former Real Madrid player.
The allure of the Saudi Pro League has grown significantly among Europe-based players since Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr in January. This visit not only marks a pivotal moment in sports diplomacy but also highlights the power of football to bridge divides and unite fans across borders.
