Aoba Tanaka 
Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Portuguese footballer currently playing for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, spread holiday cheer by sending a special Christmas gift to the son of his former Real Madrid teammate, Marcelo, in Brazil.
Ronaldo and Marcelo shared a remarkable nine-year stint at Real Madrid, clinching two La Liga titles, four Champions League trophies, and three FIFA Club World Cup victories. Their camaraderie extended beyond the field, often seen sharing light moments during training sessions. Ronaldo departed for Serie A’s Juventus in 2018, marking a new chapter in his illustrious career.
Despite the geographical distance, Ronaldo has maintained a connection with Marcelo, who currently plays for Fluminense in Brazil. The heartfelt surprise came in the form of a signed Al-Nassr shirt sent from the Middle East to Marcelo’s son. Overjoyed, the young recipient expressed gratitude on social media, posting, “Thank you so much Cris. I love you. You are my idol @cristiano.”
Speculations arose about Marcelo joining Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia after concluding a brief stint with Greek side Olympiacos in February 2023. However, Marcelo chose to return to his roots in Brazil, stating, “We talked about this some time ago. I had some proposals to leave, not just there [Al-Nassr], but I needed to return here [Brazil], to my roots. Something told me that I had to go back.”
The heartwarming gesture reflects the enduring friendship between Ronaldo and Marcelo, transcending borders and leagues. As fans celebrate this festive act of kindness, it highlights the human side of football legends during the joyous season.
