Waleed Abdullah, a former goalkeeper for Saudi Arabian football club Al-Nassr, recently shared insights into Cristiano Ronaldo’s potential conversion to Islam and his growing connection to Saudi culture. In a television interview, Abdullah confirmed long-running rumors that Ronaldo had expressed interest in converting to Islam, citing the star’s strong bond with local customs and religious practices.
Abdullah explained that Ronaldo has shown a deep respect for Islamic traditions, regularly encouraging his teammates to pray and take time for religious observances during training. Ronaldo has even requested training pauses during the call to prayer, highlighting his sensitivity to local religious customs.
The former goalkeeper also revealed that when Ronaldo first arrived in Saudi Arabia, he was eager to learn about the country’s culture and frequently asked Abdullah about local practices. Abdullah also mentioned that former teammates from Real Madrid, including Mesut Özil and Karim Benzema, had previously tried to encourage Ronaldo to consider converting to Islam.
Abdullah emphasized Ronaldo’s professionalism, discipline, and humility, noting that these qualities, along with his curiosity about the culture, have helped him connect with the Saudi community. Ronaldo’s interactions with those around him, including his son, have made a positive impression, further endearing him to his new environment.
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