Cristiano Ronaldo is a global icon who has showcased his brilliance both on and off the football field. His massive fan following is undeniable, and one dedicated fan from China took his admiration to tremendous lengths by travelling nearly 13,000 kilometres on bicycle to meet his idol. A 24-year-old named Gong cycled for seven months from China to Saudi Arabia just for this purpose. He began his journey on March 18 and finally met Ronaldo on October 20 outside the Al Nassr Football Club.
The trek across six countries
Reports indicate that Gong first travelled north to Beijing before heading west into Kazakhstan. During his journey to Riyadh, he passed through six countries, including Georgia, Iran, and Qatar. He faced several challenges, such as language barriers, fluctuating food prices, and the fatigue associated with long-distance cycling.
Packing light for the long haul
Covering a distance of 13,000 kilometres, Gong carried only two power banks, a tent, cooking supplies, clothes, and other essentials. In countries where food was expensive, he often relied on bread and used translation apps to communicate with locals. In August, he fell ill while in Armenia but received free treatment at a hospital. Gong was inspired to undertake this journey after Ronaldo cancelled his trip to China due to an injury in February.
A memorable encounter with the legend
After arriving in Riyadh on October 10, Gong waited a few days to meet Ronaldo. The staff at Al Nassr were warm and organised a brief fan meeting. Before this encounter, Gong had the opportunity to watch Ronaldo play live for the first time, thanks to another fan who gifted him tickets.
In the end, Gong fulfilled his dream of meeting his idol, as Ronaldo shook his hand, embraced him, and signed an Al Nassr No. 7 jersey. Ronaldo also autographed a banner for Gong and his friends, writing, “What I dream of is true love and freedom.” Following this remarkable experience, Gong plans to travel to Portugal, Ronaldo’s home country.
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