Cristiano Ronaldo Shines in Saudi Super Cup Semi-Final in Hong Kong

Cristiano Ronaldo received a rousing welcome in Hong Kong as he guided Al Nassr to a 2-1 win over Al Ittihad in the Saudi Super Cup semi-final. The 40-year-old star provided an assist, while Karim Benzema featured for the opposition. Al Nassr now awaits the winner of Al Ahli vs Al Qadisiyah for the final.

When the Saudi Super Cup semi-final took place in Hong Kong, Cristiano Ronaldo was at the heart of the action and received a hero’s welcome from thousands of supporters. The 40 year old Portuguese star, wearing his famous number seven shirt, set up a crucial goal in Al Nassr’s 2-1 win over Al Ittihad, a side led by French striker Karim Benzema.

From the moment Ronaldo stepped out to warm up, chants of “Ronaldo, Ronaldo” echoed across the Hong Kong Stadium, with cheers greeting every touch of the ball on a hot and humid evening. The victory ensured Al Nassr a place in the final, where they will meet the winner of the clash between Al Ahli and Al Qadisiyah. Ronaldo’s presence in Hong Kong was in sharp contrast to the controversy that surrounded Lionel Messi at the same venue last year, when the Argentine legend stayed on the bench during Inter Miami’s friendly match.

That absence caused uproar among fans who demanded refunds, and the fallout even led to Argentina’s tour games in China being cancelled. While Messi’s no show left frustration, Ronaldo’s performance and fan reception underlined his enduring global popularity, even at the age of 40.