Posted on September 24, 2025, 03:45 PM WAT
As fireworks lit up the Riyadh skyline on September 23, 2025, marking Saudi Arabia's 95th National Day, the world witnessed a unique fusion of global stardom and local heritage. Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, a prominent figure in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr, took to X to share his participation in the festivities, donning traditional Saudi attire and holding a ceremonial sword..png)
This moment, captured in a series of striking images, reflects not just a celebration of national pride but also the kingdom's ambitious push to blend its rich cultural roots with a modern global identity under Vision 2030. Yet, the day was tinged with solemnity following the announcement of the Grand Mufti’s passing, creating a poignant contrast that underscores Saudi Arabia’s evolving narrative.Ronaldo: A Global Ambassador in Traditional GarbRonaldo’s post, featuring him in a white thobe adorned with a green and black sash inscribed with Arabic text, alongside a sword, was a visual tribute to Saudi heritage. The images—showing him smiling solo, posing with an elderly figure giving a thumbs-up, and standing thoughtfully—highlight his integration into the local culture since joining Al-Nassr in 2022. His caption, "Happy Saudi National Day to everyone in Saudi Arabia!
Wishing you a day filled with pride, unity, and celebration with your loved ones," resonated with millions, reinforcing his role as a cultural ambassador. This aligns with the kingdom’s $1.5 billion annual investment in sports, as noted by the International Monetary Fund, aimed at enhancing its global image and diversifying its economy beyond oil.The elderly figure in the photo, possibly a respected community member or official, symbolizes intergenerational unity—a key theme of the 2025 National Day campaign, "Our Pride Lies in Our Nature." This initiative, launched by the General Entertainment Authority, celebrates values like generosity, ambition, and hospitality, using traditional symbols like the dallah coffee pot to connect past and present. Ronaldo’s participation amplifies this message, bridging his international fame with Saudi traditions.A Day of Joy Amid MourningThe celebrations, themed around national pride and progress under Vision 2030, included air shows, cultural events, and messages of unity from leaders like Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif and India’s S. Jaishankar. However, the joy was tempered by the sudden announcement of the death of Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Asheikh, aged 84, a revered religious figure who served for over 25 years. The Royal Court described him as a "distinguished scholar" whose passing was a loss to the Islamic world, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman leading funeral prayers in Riyadh. This juxtaposition of patriotic fervor and solemn reflection added depth to the day’s events, reflecting the complex balance of tradition and reform in modern Saudi Arabia..png)
Vision 2030 and the Power of SportRonaldo’s presence in Saudi Arabia is a cornerstone of Vision 2030, the kingdom’s blueprint to transform its economy and society. Since his arrival, the Saudi Pro League has seen an influx of global stars like Neymar and Karim Benzema, driven by the Public Investment Fund’s acquisition of major clubs. This "sportswashing" strategy, as some critics call it, aims to boost tourism, create jobs, and shift global perceptions, with the World Bank documenting significant social reforms alongside these efforts. Ronaldo’s engagement—whether scoring goals or embracing cultural rituals—cements his status as the league’s international face, drawing fans from across Asia and beyond, as seen in his recent Hong Kong appearances.What This Means for the FutureAs Saudi Arabia marks 95 years since its unification by King Abdulaziz, Ronaldo’s participation signals a new chapter where global icons and local heritage coexist. The National Day festivities, despite the mourning, showcased a nation proud of its past while embracing a future shaped by innovation and openness. For fans, it’s a reminder of Ronaldo’s versatility—on and off the pitch—while for Saudi Arabia, it’s a step toward redefining its global footprint.What are your thoughts on Ronaldo’s role in Saudi Arabia? Does this blend of tradition and modernity resonate with you? Share your views in the comments below!
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This moment, captured in a series of striking images, reflects not just a celebration of national pride but also the kingdom's ambitious push to blend its rich cultural roots with a modern global identity under Vision 2030. Yet, the day was tinged with solemnity following the announcement of the Grand Mufti’s passing, creating a poignant contrast that underscores Saudi Arabia’s evolving narrative.Ronaldo: A Global Ambassador in Traditional GarbRonaldo’s post, featuring him in a white thobe adorned with a green and black sash inscribed with Arabic text, alongside a sword, was a visual tribute to Saudi heritage. The images—showing him smiling solo, posing with an elderly figure giving a thumbs-up, and standing thoughtfully—highlight his integration into the local culture since joining Al-Nassr in 2022. His caption, "Happy Saudi National Day to everyone in Saudi Arabia!
Wishing you a day filled with pride, unity, and celebration with your loved ones," resonated with millions, reinforcing his role as a cultural ambassador. This aligns with the kingdom’s $1.5 billion annual investment in sports, as noted by the International Monetary Fund, aimed at enhancing its global image and diversifying its economy beyond oil.The elderly figure in the photo, possibly a respected community member or official, symbolizes intergenerational unity—a key theme of the 2025 National Day campaign, "Our Pride Lies in Our Nature." This initiative, launched by the General Entertainment Authority, celebrates values like generosity, ambition, and hospitality, using traditional symbols like the dallah coffee pot to connect past and present. Ronaldo’s participation amplifies this message, bridging his international fame with Saudi traditions.A Day of Joy Amid MourningThe celebrations, themed around national pride and progress under Vision 2030, included air shows, cultural events, and messages of unity from leaders like Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif and India’s S. Jaishankar. However, the joy was tempered by the sudden announcement of the death of Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Asheikh, aged 84, a revered religious figure who served for over 25 years. The Royal Court described him as a "distinguished scholar" whose passing was a loss to the Islamic world, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman leading funeral prayers in Riyadh. This juxtaposition of patriotic fervor and solemn reflection added depth to the day’s events, reflecting the complex balance of tradition and reform in modern Saudi Arabia..png)
Vision 2030 and the Power of SportRonaldo’s presence in Saudi Arabia is a cornerstone of Vision 2030, the kingdom’s blueprint to transform its economy and society. Since his arrival, the Saudi Pro League has seen an influx of global stars like Neymar and Karim Benzema, driven by the Public Investment Fund’s acquisition of major clubs. This "sportswashing" strategy, as some critics call it, aims to boost tourism, create jobs, and shift global perceptions, with the World Bank documenting significant social reforms alongside these efforts. Ronaldo’s engagement—whether scoring goals or embracing cultural rituals—cements his status as the league’s international face, drawing fans from across Asia and beyond, as seen in his recent Hong Kong appearances.What This Means for the FutureAs Saudi Arabia marks 95 years since its unification by King Abdulaziz, Ronaldo’s participation signals a new chapter where global icons and local heritage coexist. The National Day festivities, despite the mourning, showcased a nation proud of its past while embracing a future shaped by innovation and openness. For fans, it’s a reminder of Ronaldo’s versatility—on and off the pitch—while for Saudi Arabia, it’s a step toward redefining its global footprint.What are your thoughts on Ronaldo’s role in Saudi Arabia? Does this blend of tradition and modernity resonate with you? Share your views in the comments below!
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