Is Star Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo converting to Islam?

Riyadh: Former Saudi Arabian footballer Waleed Abdullah, who once played as a goalkeeper for Al-Nassr, has revealed significant details regarding Cristiano Ronaldo’s potential conversion to Islam, sparking widespread interest among fans and the media.

Appearing on an Arab TV program, Abdullah confirmed rumors that the Portuguese football icon has shown a genuine interest in embracing Islam, a sentiment that has been developing since Ronaldo’s arrival in Saudi Arabia. “Ronaldo genuinely wants to convert to Islam,” Abdullah shared. “I spoke to him about it, and he expressed interest. He has already prostrated on the field after scoring, and he encourages the players to pray and follow Islamic practices.”

Abdullah further elaborated that Ronaldo has not only embraced local customs but has also immersed himself in learning about Islamic traditions to connect better with his Muslim teammates. “When the call to prayer sounds during training, Ronaldo asks the coach to pause the session until it’s finished,” Abdullah added, emphasizing Ronaldo’s respect for the religious practices around him.

The former goalkeeper also discussed Ronaldo’s curiosity and eagerness to understand Saudi culture upon his arrival. “In the beginning, I was close to Cristiano because he wasn’t familiar with the country’s culture, the club, or other aspects. He was curious and often asked me questions about certain details,” Abdullah recalled.

Abdullah also touched on past attempts by Ronaldo’s former teammates at Real Madrid, such as Mesut Özil and Karim Benzema, to encourage him to consider converting to Islam. A particularly memorable moment was when Ronaldo prostrated after scoring, prompting the entire team to shout “Allahu Akbar” in unison, a gesture that has left a lasting impression on those around him.

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Despite the ongoing speculations about Ronaldo’s potential conversion, Abdullah was quick to highlight the footballer’s professional dedication. “He is an extremely disciplined and dedicated player, and that is what has brought him to this position,” he said. Abdullah also praised Ronaldo’s humility, describing both him and his son as warm and simple in their interactions with others, which has further endeared them to the Saudi community.

While the future of Ronaldo’s religious journey remains uncertain, his increasing involvement in Saudi culture and respect for Islamic practices have certainly made an impact on both his teammates and fans across the region.