The fact that Cristiano Ronaldo said the phrase “Bismillah”
Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr FC, has once again captured the attention of the sports world, not only for his football skills but also for his profound engagement with Arab and Islamic culture. In recent hours, social media users have been sharing a video clip showing "CR7" murmuring some words before taking a crucial penalty kick against Al-Najma FC in the 27th round of the Saudi Professional League, a match that ended with Al-Nassr winning 5-2. This clip has sparked widespread questions: Did Ronaldo actually say "Bismillah" (In the name of God)?
Lip-reading expert settles the debate
To answer this question that has captivated fans, renowned British lip-reading expert John Cassidy revealed to the Saudi newspaper Okaz the truth behind what the Portuguese legend muttered. Cassidy, who has a proven track record of interpreting complex sporting events, most notably the famous altercation between Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp and Egyptian star Mohamed Salah, confirmed that what Ronaldo said before taking the penalty kick was indeed the phrase "Bismillah" (In the name of God). This confirmation further fueled the excitement among fans, who saw this gesture as additional evidence of the player's integration into Saudi society.
The cultural and sporting impact of Ronaldo's transfer (locally and internationally)
Cristiano Ronaldo's move to the Saudi league was more than just a fleeting sporting transaction; it formed a significant cultural bridge. Since joining Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has demonstrated a profound respect for local culture, from wearing traditional Saudi attire at national events to celebrating by prostrating in prayer during a previous match. The fact that a player of Ronaldo's stature, with hundreds of millions of followers worldwide, uttered the phrase "Bismillah" (In the name of God) carries considerable international weight, highlighting Islamic culture in a positive light and enhancing the soft power of Saudi sports on the global stage.
A strong comeback after an injury absence
This significant event coincided with Cristiano Ronaldo's return to action with his team, Al-Nassr, after an absence of more than a month. The player had suffered a muscle injury during the match against Al-Fayha in late February, which necessitated an intensive rehabilitation and recovery period in Spain. Ronaldo's return was not merely symbolic; he reaffirmed his physical and mental readiness to lead the team's attack and contribute to their consecutive victories.
Exceptional numbers for a football legend
On the digital front, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to break records and prove that age is just a number. This season, the Portuguese star has played 27 matches for Al-Nassr across various domestic and continental competitions. During these appearances, he has scored 27 goals, averaging one goal per game, in addition to providing four assists for his teammates. These astonishing statistics confirm that Ronaldo's passion for football remains undiminished, and that his influence on the pitch is as significant as his impact off it.
