Ronaldo tries Ramadan fast with Al Nassr teammates

Portuguese star observes two days of fasting in Saudi Arabia as clubs adjust schedules during holy month

By Abdullahi Yusuf

Cristiano Ronaldo fasted for two days during Ramadan last year while playing in Saudi Arabia, according to a former Al Nassr teammate who said the Portuguese star wanted to understand what Muslim players experience during the holy month.

Shaye Sharahili said on the Thmanyah Sports podcast that Ronaldo joined teammates in abstaining from food and drink from dawn to sunset, though he did not observe the full month.

“Last year, Cristiano Ronaldo tried fasting with the Muslim players of Al Nassr during Ramadan,” Sharahili said. “He fasted for two days to experience what Muslims feel during the fast.”

Ronaldo, who is not Muslim, joined the Saudi Pro League club in 2023. Since moving to the kingdom, he has publicly embraced elements of local culture, including wearing a traditional Saudi bisht during celebrations and offering Eid greetings to supporters.

Ramadan is a key period in Saudi football, where many players fast. Clubs and league officials typically adjust schedules to accommodate those observing the month, with matches often held after sunset and training sessions modified to reduce daytime intensity.

Fasting, which involves refraining from food and drink between dawn and sunset, can affect hydration, recovery and performance, making logistical planning central to teams’ preparations.

Sharahili described Ronaldo’s decision as a personal initiative rather than a religious observance.

SPONSORED

SPONSORED