Cristiano Ronaldo’s engagement to longtime partner Georgina Rodríguez has prompted an extravagant gift from Saudi journalist Ibrahim Al Faryan, a camel, symbolizing both celebration and regional tradition. The gesture adds to Al Faryan’s growing list of high-profile offerings, underscoring his prominent presence in Saudi Arabia’s sports and media circles.
A camel for the “Great one”: A personal tribute from Ibrahim Al Faryan
Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent engagement to Georgina Rodríguez has received global attention, and in Saudi Arabia, the celebration took a uniquely regional turn. Ibrahim Al Faryan, a widely recognized Saudi media personality, marked the occasion by gifting Ronaldo a camel, a gesture he publicly announced on his account on X (formerly Twitter). “This is my gift to you on the occasion of your marriage,” Al Faryan posted. “The news has brought joy to us all, great one. Your gift will be in Riyadh when you return. Congratulations to you and Georgina.” His message was addressed directly to Ronaldo, acknowledging the couple’s new milestone and offering a gift that is culturally rich and deeply symbolic in the region. Ronaldo and Rodríguez have not publicly disclosed a wedding date, but confirmation of their engagement came directly from Rodríguez through a post featuring a large ring and the caption in Spanish: “Yes I do. In this and in all my lives.” The couple’s relationship began in 2016 in Madrid, where Rodríguez was working as a sales assistant at a Gucci store. Ronaldo, then playing for Real Madrid, met her during a visit. As Rodríguez has described in past interviews, their connection was immediate, “love at first sight.” Since then, they have built a shared life spanning multiple countries and clubs, from Spain to Italy and now Saudi Arabia.
Not his first gesture: Al Faryan’s history of high-profile gifts
This is not the first time Ibrahim Al Faryan has made headlines for a notable gift to a football star. In August 2023, two years before the camel gift, he presented Brazilian midfielder Fabinho with a Rolex watch following his debut match for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League. The moment, which unfolded at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, was captured on video and quickly went viral across social media platforms. As Fabinho exited the stadium, Al Faryan approached and personally fastened the watch onto the player’s wrist. Fabinho appeared surprised but appreciative, smiling, thanking the journalist, and shaking his hand. The watch was given in celebration of Fabinho’s entry into Saudi football after his transfer from Liverpool. Al Faryan, known for his extensive coverage of international football, has attended six FIFA World Cup tournaments as part of his media career. Beyond journalism, he holds an honorary doctorate in combating sports fanaticism from the American University and is also involved in business management. His reputation in the sports community extends not just through his reporting but also through gestures like these that reflect both generosity and a strong personal interest in the region’s evolving football culture.
