Ronaldo Receives Rapturous Welcome in Iran: Hundreds of Fans Chase Al Nassr Team Bus

• Al-Nassr touched down in the Iranian capital of Tehran ahead of their match against Persepolis
• A multitude of enthusiastic fans gathered for a chance to catch a glimpse of Cristiano Ronaldo
• The Al-Nassr captain is currently the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League with seven goals so far

Iran was swept up by 'Cristiano Ronaldo fever' as enthusiastic fans pursued Al-Nassr's team bus and thronged the club's hotel upon the superstar's arrival.

Huge crowds lined the streets and mobbed the bus, hoping to see the 38-year-old ahead of Tuesday's Asian Champions League tie with Persepolis.

This demonstrates that Ronaldo's popularity has expanded even further across Asia following his trailblazing move to Saudi Arabia in January of this year.

Moreover, the excitement has intensified with the arrival of other prominent figures such as Neymar Jr., Karim Benzema, and Aymeric Laporte during the summer transfer window.

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In addition to Ronaldo, his club also welcomed Sadio Mane. It is worth noting that the former Liverpool ace has also seen his ex-teammates Roberto Firmino, Fabinho, and Jordan Henderson make the switch to Saudi Arabia.

Al-Nassr shared a video on X, formerly Twitter, showing fans rushing to catch a glimpse of the team bus.

Numerous individuals raised their phones eagerly, hoping to capture snapshots of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner through the bus's windows, AP News reports.

At this moment, Ronaldo is the top overseas sporting attraction in Iran, where football is the main game.

Ronaldo all smiles in Iranian hotel

In other footage shared on social media, Ronaldo was seen smiling as he was accompanied to his room at the Espinas Palace Tehran, flanked by security guards, with the rest of the Al-Nassr squad and their staff following suit.

An entire floor has been allocated for the Knights of Najd, including a dedicated suite for the Real Madrid legend.

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Ronaldo receives traditional Persian gift

Ronaldo also received a traditional Persian rug as a welcoming gift shortly after arriving at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Airport, and his delight was evident.

Another gesture of hospitality for the Al-Nassr contingent involves special SIM cards that grant unrestricted internet access during their stay, a privilege not available to Iranian citizens due to the extensive blockage of thousands of websites, global messaging services, and social media.

Nevertheless, there is a sense of disappointment among the locals regarding Tuesday's match at the 78,000-capacity Aazdi Stadium, as it will be played without spectators in attendance.

This stems from a one-match stadium suspension imposed on Persepolis due to a social media post made before their encounter with the Indian club, FC Goa during the 2021-22 season.

Ronaldo hailed as role model for Saudi youth

Sports Brief also reported on a former Chelsea technical director's praise for the Al-Nassr star, acknowledging that Ronaldo is more than a player.

Michael Emenalo said that the Portuguese star continues to captivate audiences across the globe thanks to his exemplary ethics and lifestyle.