Syrian boy fulfils dream of meeting Cristiano Ronaldo after devastating earthquake

Nabil Saeed invited to watch star play for Al Nassr club in Saudi Arabia

Last updated:
1 MIN READ
Copy of 2023-03-03T221854Z_844317146_RC2IMZ9HT2LK_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-SAUDI-ANA-BTI-RONALDO-1678015649444
Nabil Saeed achieved his dream of meeting Al Nasr's Cristiano Ronaldo,
REUTERS

A boy from Syria who told rescue workers after a devastating earthquake in February that he wanted to meet Cristiano Ronaldo came face to face with his idol after being invited to watch his club Al Nassr play in Saudi Arabia.

Nabil Saeed made the request to rescue workers in Syria in a video shared on social media last month following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on Feb. 6.

More than 50,000 people have died as a result of the quake. The death toll in Syria is more than 5,900, authorities said.

Big hug

Saeed, wreathed in smiles, met the Portuguese forward briefly before the match, giving him a high-five and a big hug.

“When I saw Ronaldo, I thought it was a dream. I didn’t believe myself. When this dream would end, I didn’t know. I pray to God that it will not be a dream,” Saeed told Reuters.

Saeed cheered on Ronaldo and Al Nassr as they beat Al Batin 3-1 in Riyadh and remained two points clear at the top of the Saudi Pro League.

“I wish everyone could see Ronaldo. He is very nice person,” Saeed said.

Sign up for the Daily Briefing

Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox