The Absence of Cristiano Ronaldo at ‘The Last Crescendo’
On Saturday night, one of the most anticipated boxing events of all time, ‘The Last Crescendo’, took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Fans were eagerly waiting to see Cristiano Ronaldo, the 40-year-old soccer megastar and a known aficionado of combat sports, take his seat ringside. Sky Sports had even teased his attendance by posting a clip showing a seat labelled ‘CR7’ beside the ring. However, to the disappointment of many, Ronaldo was notably absent from the event. While this absence was initially a mystery, Ronaldo later provided an explanation that shed light on his whereabouts.
Ronaldo’s Passion for Fight Sports
Cristiano Ronaldo’s love for fight sports is well-known. He has been a frequent attendee at boxing and MMA events, showcasing his admiration for the discipline and athleticism of these sports. Many fans expected him to be at ‘The Last Crescendo’ to witness the historic matchups, particularly the main event between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev. The excitement around his potential appearance was palpable, and when he didn’t show up, it left many wondering if there were behind-the-scenes issues or personal reasons for his absence.
The Explanation Behind His Absence
Ronaldo’s absence was explained shortly after the event when he shared a photo on social media with Saudi Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. The photo was taken at the Saudi Cup, the world’s richest horse race, which took place in Riyadh on the same day as the boxing event. Ronaldo captioned the photo, "Happy to celebrate Founding Day with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and honoured to attend the Saudi Cup horse race ceremony in Riyadh." The image showed Ronaldo in good spirits, suggesting that he had moved on from the previous day’s soccer setback.
The Saudi Cup and Founding Day
The Saudi Cup is a prestigious event in the world of horse racing, offering a prize pool of £16 million, making it one of the most lucrative races globally. Ronaldo and bin Salman watched as Japan’s Forever Young overtook Hong Kong’s Romantic Warrior in a thrilling finish to claim the top prize. The event coincided with Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day, a significant national holiday, which added to the celebratory atmosphere. Ronaldo’s attendance at the horse race and his interaction with the Crown Prince highlighted his active role in the country’s cultural and sporting events.
Recovering from Soccer Defeat
Just a day before the horse racing event, Ronaldo’s team, Al-Nassr, suffered a crushing 3-2 defeat to Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League. This loss was particularly stinging as it dropped Al-Nassr to fourth place in the league table, 11 points behind the leaders, Al-Ittihad, after 21 matches. Ronaldo was visibly upset during the game, especially when new signing Jhon Duran was sent off in the closing stages for botching the ball away in frustration. Despite the soccer disappointment, Ronaldo’s presence at the Saudi Cup demonstrated his commitment to staying engaged and representing his new home country in a positive light.
A Busy Weekend in Riyadh
Ronaldo’s busy weekend in Riyadh, which included both a soccer match and a significant horse racing event, underscores his role as a cultural ambassador for Saudi Arabia. His absence from the boxing event can be seen as a strategic choice to balance his various commitments and support the nation’s diverse sporting calendar. Ronaldo’s ability to maintain a positive demeanor and participate in high-profile events, even after a tough loss, reflects his resilience and professionalism. The photo with bin Salman and his celebratory comments further solidify his deep connection to the country and his fans’ interest in his multifaceted public life.
