Cristiano Ronaldo superfan cycles 13,000km to meet his hero in Saudi Arabia
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A devoted Chinese football fan has completed an extraordinary 13,000-kilometre cycling journey from China to Saudi Arabia to meet his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Gong, aged 24, embarked on his seven-month odyssey on 18 March from eastern China's Anhui province, driven by his lifelong dream of meeting the Portuguese superstar.
The young man's epic trek was inspired by Ronaldo's cancelled China trip in February due to injury.
Undeterred, Gong decided to take matters into his own hands, pedalling through multiple countries to reach Riyadh, where Ronaldo now plays for Al Nassr Football Club.
On 20 October, Gong's perseverance paid off as he finally came face-to-face with his hero outside the club's facilities, culminating in an emotional encounter that fulfilled his childhood dream.
Gong's journey took him through a challenging route spanning multiple countries.
Cristiano Ronaldo was stunned by one superfan, who cycled halfway around the world to meet him
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He cycled north to Beijing before heading west, entering Kazakhstan from Xinjiang. His path then led through Georgia, Iran, Qatar, and other nations before reaching Saudi Arabia.
Throughout his trek, Gong carried minimal essentials: two 60,000mAh power banks, a tent, cooking utensils, clothes, and basic necessities.
He faced numerous obstacles, including language barriers and high food prices in some regions, often subsisting on bread.
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In August, Gong experienced a severe setback when he fell ill with a high fever in Armenia. He collapsed by the roadside but fortunately received free treatment at a local hospital.
Despite these hardships, Gong's determination never wavered. He arrived in Riyadh on 10 October, eagerly anticipating his meeting with Ronaldo.
The long-awaited meeting between Gong and Ronaldo took place on 20 October. In what Gong described as a "dreamlike" minute, Ronaldo shook his hand, hugged him, and signed an Al Nassr No 7 jersey.
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The football icon also autographed a banner bearing the names of Gong's friends and the message, "What I dream of is true love and freedom."
Prior to this encounter, Gong had the opportunity to watch Ronaldo play live for the first time in a match between Al Nassr and Al Shabab on 19 October.
Overwhelmed by the experience, Gong later posted videos of their meeting online, simply stating, "I have met my hero."
When asked about his composure during the meeting, Gong admitted, "My head was completely blank."
Cristiano Ronaldo's biggest fan cycled for over six months to meet his icon
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Gong's remarkable journey has not only fulfilled his personal dream but also inspired football fans worldwide. Reflecting on his experience, Gong said the trek allowed him to make new friends and helped him become more patient and mature.
His dedication has caught the attention of other Ronaldo supporters. One online observer marvelled at Gong's composure, saying, "How could you look so calm when he was right in front of you? I would collapse out of excitement."
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Cristiano Ronaldo sought out the fan after finding about his journey
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Looking ahead, Gong has set his sights on a new destination: Ronaldo's hometown in Portugal. This next adventure promises to further cement his status as one of Ronaldo's most devoted fans.
Ronaldo himself acknowledged the significance of Gong's journey, stating, "It's incredible to see such passion and dedication. This is what football is all about—connecting with fans."
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