I Respect Cristiano Ronaldo

I respect Cristiano Ronaldo.

While growing up, my childhood superheroes were Spiderman and Batman. As I matured, my admiration shifted from comic book characters to sports icons. When I moved to Japan, that list expanded from American league athletes to European and global competitors. Over the last two decades, my adult heroes have been Leonel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. These two men are often the subject of discussions beyond fútbol and face frequent criticism from pundits and rivals. Nevertheless, their performances both on and off the pitch continue to inspire millions, if not billions, showcasing their ability to transcend their sport and have a profound impact.

I respect C. Ronaldo’s decision to leave European club competition and continue his career in Saudi Arabia, a nation with great geopolitical power, an ever-growing economy, and a fútbol league that is rising in the ranks. Saudi Arabia is a Muslim nation with laws against freedom of speech, homosexuality, abandoning Islam, public displays of non-Muslim religious activities, and unmarried men and women living together. Despite the strict religious laws in Saudi Arabia, Cristiano’s athletic prowess and charm enabled him to live in the country with his unmarried partner, Georgina. In an Arab Cup match, he scored a crucial goal and celebrated by making the sign of the cross, a Christian ritual, showcasing his ability to transcend cultural boundaries. Simultaneously, he holds the title of the world’s highest-paid athlete and has inspired other international fútbol stars to join the Saudi Pro League.

In conservative societies, the emphasis on role models aligning their behavior with cultural values and exerting a positive influence on the next generation is strong. So for Cristiano Ronaldo to receive the red carpet treatment despite his marital status and religious beliefs, suggests Saudi Arabia will make exceptions not only for financial gain but also to broaden its cultural borders.

I have respect for Cristiano, even if he chooses not to marry the mother of his children. In foundational Christian nations, especially among lower-earning communities, lower marriage rates are common, contrasting with the tendency for wealthier individuals to marry and stay married. In certain social circles, a man’s trustworthiness is tied to his marital status. Maybe the concept of marriage has become so fucked up in Christian nations that it has led him to opt out. However, he is unafraid to have multiple children in an era when even affluent couples limit their family size. And unlike other celebrities, Cristiano has maintained a public image of fidelity in his relationship with Georgina.

Cristiano possesses the freedom to change his religion, nationality, and even marry multiple women if he so desires. He is a superstar athlete in an era of transient relationships and celebrities rotating through marriages. He can retire and leverage his connections and wealth to maintain a quiet social life shielded from external criticisms. However, he remains unafraid to go on talk shows and voice his opinions on tense ties with his previous club or to call out unhealthy soft drinks at press conferences. Perhaps he is arrogant and self-righteously destructive in his own way, creating hidden enemies by insulting powerful sponsors and finding himself exiled from Europe’s top clubs. In his moments of perceived heroism, he becomes a polarizing figure within the world of fútbol. Yet he continues to be a hero to millions of fans who avidly follow him online at a record-breaking rate.

I respect CR7. Even in the comic books, heroes such as Batman get their back broken, Spiderman loses a daughter, and even the man of steel, Superman, dies. A man who seems perfect in his success is often one step from his downfall. Ronaldo rose to greatness by equalling Messi in Ballon d’Or awards and clinching three consecutive Champions League titles, while also leading Portugal to their first European championships. However, his fate took a drastic turn with fallouts from legendary fútbol clubs, navigating through rape allegations, and enduring the tragic loss of his newborn son.

His fall from grace still kept him in the limelight but excluded him from the conversation of world’s best players, despite scoring the most goals among his contemporaries in a calendar year. If the God he believes in, Jesus Christ, came to Earth as a perfect man and still died on a cross, then what are the chances that Cristiano will survive character assassinations or business ruination? But just like the Christian religion, there is the resurrection, and within it lies his personal redemption.

I respect Cristiano Ronaldo.