On the occasion of Saudi Arabia’s 95th National Day, football legend Cristiano Ronaldo took to social media to express his deep appreciation for the country he now calls home. His heartfelt tribute not only extended well-wishes to the Saudi people but also offered rare glimpse into his personal connection with the Kingdom, a place he says he and his family have come to cherish deeply.
A personal message from Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo, the Al-Nassr and Portugal forward, marked Saudi Arabia’s 95th National Day by sharing a personal message through his official Instagram account. The 40-year-old football star posted several visuals dedicated to the occasion, along with a caption that read:“Happy Saudi National Day to everyone in Saudi Arabia! 🇸🇦 Wishing you a day filled with pride, unity, and celebration with your loved ones.” In addition to the post, Ronaldo shared a short video in which he reflected on his life in the Kingdom. Speaking candidly, he praised Saudi Arabia’s culture, safety, and quality of life, positioning it as a top destination for both living and tourism:“It’s a fantastic place to live. For me, the most special thing is that it’s a safe country. The league is good, and that’s our job, to come here and play football. And there’s love. I love being here. My family loves being here. It’s a great country.”He highlighted the country’s excellent schools, rich cultural heritage, beautiful yet underrated tourist attractions, and its strong sense of safety and hospitality, urging people worldwide to visit and discover what Saudi Arabia truly offers.“Tourism is very good. The schools for the kids are excellent. The tourist areas are beautiful. And many people still don’t know that. So, I recommend that anyone who doesn’t know Saudi Arabia should come and visit, the tourism is fantastic, and the culture is amazing.”
Living in the Saudi Arabia– Beyond football
Ronaldo’s tribute goes beyond a social media gesture. It reflects a deeper, long-term commitment to Saudi Arabia, which he emphasized in a video shared by Al-Nassr Football Club on YouTube earlier this year. In July 2025, following the extension of his contract with Al-Nassr until 2027, Ronaldo made it clear that he envisions a life in the Kingdom well beyond his football career:“My family always supports my decisions, and we’re happy here in Saudi Arabia. The people treat us in an incredibly warm way. That’s why we want to live here and build our lives here.” He went on to describe Saudi Arabia as a “land of peace and safety,” expressing genuine satisfaction with his family’s experience in the country. This includes a strong sense of belonging and admiration for the local community and way of life.“I will stay two more years as a football player, but also for life because my contribution to this country is not only for football… I want to be part of the country’s growth forever.”
Ronaldo’s career milestones and unfinished goals
Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in late 2022 after a dramatic exit from Manchester United. Since his arrival, he has made a significant impact on the pitch. As of September 2025, he has scored 103 goals across all competitions, including his latest two in a dominant Saudi Professional League win over Al Riyadh on September 22, 2025. The brace brought his career tally to 945 goals, putting him just 55 goals away from the historic 1,000-goal milestone. Watching from the stands, his children and partner Georgina celebrated with infectious joy, a heartfelt scene that added a layer of warmth to an already memorable night. In June 2025, Al-Nassr officially announced the extension of Ronaldo’s contract, securing his services until 2027. This extension will take him beyond his 42nd birthday, a testament to both his physical resilience and his hunger for continued success. Despite individual achievements and lifting the King Salman Club Cup, Ronaldo acknowledged that a major domestic or continental title still eludes him at Al-Nassr. But he remains undeterred:“I still believe in that goal. That’s why I renewed for two more years. I believe I will be a champion in Saudi Arabia.” His drive stems not from resting on past laurels but from a desire to create a lasting legacy, both in football and in the country he now calls home.
Saudi National Day: A national celebration of unity and growth
September 23, 2025, marks the 95th National Day of Saudi Arabia, a public holiday celebrated across the Kingdom with great enthusiasm. The date commemorates the unification of Saudi Arabia in 1932 under King Abdulaziz Al Saud. This year’s theme is “Our Pride Lies in Our Nature,” celebrating both the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and its diverse natural landscapes. Festivities planned in major cities include:
- Traditional folk performances
- Fireworks displays
- Drone shows
- Military flyovers
- Illuminated landmarks
- Concerts
- Themed retail promotions and discounts across restaurants, cafés, and shops
All government offices, banks, schools, and both public and private institutions are closed for the day. First officially observed in 1965 during the reign of King Faisal, Saudi National Day became a permanent holiday in 2005 by royal decree under King Abdullah. It has since evolved into a major symbol of national pride and progress, in alignment with Vision 2030, the country’s long-term development blueprint.
