Inspiration behind the journey
A remarkable fan story has emerged from China, where a 24-year-old named Gong cycled more than 13,000 kilometers over seven months to meet his football idol, Cristiano Ronaldo. Gong, inspired after Ronaldo had to cancel a planned trip to China due to a leg injury in February, decided to make the arduous journey from his home in China all the way to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Ronaldo currently plays for Al Nassr Football Club.
Navigating international borders to reach Riyadh
Starting on March 18, Gong cycled through challenging terrain and diverse countries, including Kazakhstan, Georgia, Iran, and Qatar, before finally reaching Riyadh on October 20. His incredible determination caught the attention of Al Nassr FC, who, recognizing the extraordinary commitment, arranged a personal meeting for Gong with the football star outside their headquarters.
Challenges on the road
The journey was not without obstacles. Traveling on a budget, Gong had to be resourceful, finding affordable food and dealing with language barriers across borders. He carried essential supplies, including two 60,000mAh power banks, a tent, cooking utensils, clothes, and other necessities. Relying on bread in regions where food was costly and using translation apps to communicate, Gong overcame countless difficulties. In August, while in Armenia, he suffered from a high fever and collapsed by the roadside, only to receive free medical care from a local hospital.
A memorable meeting with Ronaldo
Gong finally met Ronaldo on October 20, after waiting several days as the footballer was in Europe. During their encounter, Ronaldo greeted him warmly, signing his No. 7 Al Nassr jersey and posing for photos. The football icon also signed a banner with the names of Gong’s friends and wrote, “What I dream of is true love and freedom.” Reflecting on his journey, Gong shared how it taught him patience and maturity and helped him build friendships with people across different cultures. His journey culminated in watching Ronaldo play in an Al Nassr vs. Al Shabab match, thanks to a fan who gifted him a ticket.
In China, Ronaldo—known locally as “C Luo”—is celebrated not only for his record-breaking career but also for his vast influence, with over 900 career goals and more than 640 million Instagram followers. Inspired by the journey’s success, Gong now plans to visit Portugal, Ronaldo’s birthplace, as his next great adventure.