The iconic football star, Cristiano Ronaldo, has reaffirmed his love for Saudi Arabia and his strong support for its ambitious tourism strategy.
During a video address at TOURISE 2025 forum in Riyadh, Al Nassr player emphasized his confidence in the Kingdom’s development projects, particularly tourism, saying that he considers himself a Saudi.
“Everyone realized I was right when I moved to Saudi Arabia,” he said. “I moved to Saudi three years ago because I believe in a project, I believe in football, I believe the people, I believe in the league that they have a huge potential,” Ronaldo noted.
“Also, the tourism which for me it’s very, very important and if you can see [in] the [past] years they [grew] a lot. So, I am hoping I am part of that,” he added.
Ronaldo stars in the Saudi Tourism Authority’s “Unreal Calendar” promotional campaign, aimed at showcasing the Kingdom’s events calendar throughout the year to attract tourists.
In his speech at TOURISE 2025, Ronaldo shared love for the Kingdom. “As I say to the many Saudi people I am one of them, I am a Saudi guy,” he said.
During the session The Goal Beyond the Game, Football Champion @Cristiano Ronaldo shared his favourite destinations in Saudi. #TOURISE25 #FutureOfTourism pic.twitter.com/UjTLzyKghF
— TOURISE (@TOURISEofficial) November 11, 2025
Furthermore, he highlighted his preferred destinations in Saudi Arabia, noting that the Kingdom has “so many good places.”
“I love AlUla and the Red Sea project, I have house there, so it’s a place that I feel in peace,” Ronaldo said.
Furthermore, the Portuguese player expressed his eagerness to participate in Saudi Arabia’s bid for the FIFA World Cup 2034. “I want to be part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to host the World Cup,” he said.
