Cristiano Ronaldo’s Growing Connection with Islamic Traditions Sparks Speculation
In a recent interview on an Arab TV program, former Al-Nassr goalkeeper Abdullah shed light on Cristiano Ronaldo’s increasing respect for Islamic customs and traditions since his move to Saudi Arabia.
Abdullah revealed that Ronaldo has shown genuine interest in Islam, even expressing a desire to convert. “Ronaldo genuinely wants to convert to Islam. I spoke to him about it, and he expressed interest,” Abdullah shared.
The football star’s gestures, such as performing an Islamic prostration after scoring a goal, deeply resonated with his teammates, who celebrated with chants of “Allahu Akbar.”
Abdullah further highlighted Ronaldo’s respect for religious practices, noting that he often requests training sessions to pause during the call to prayer. “When the call to prayer sounds, Ronaldo asks the coach to stop until it finishes,” he explained, emphasizing the athlete’s sensitivity toward Islamic customs.
Ronaldo’s interest in Islam may have been influenced by former Real Madrid teammates Mesut Özil and Karim Benzema, both devout Muslims. Abdullah recalled that these interactions left a lasting impression on Ronaldo, sparking his curiosity about the faith.
Upon arriving in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo frequently sought Abdullah’s guidance to better understand local culture and traditions. “In the beginning, I was close to Cristiano because he wasn’t aware of many things about the club or customs. He often asked questions, eager to learn,” Abdullah said.
Despite speculation, there has been no official confirmation from Ronaldo regarding his religious beliefs or potential conversion. However, his actions, such as encouraging prayer observance and engaging with Islamic customs, have endeared him to the Muslim community, earning widespread admiration.
