It is a story of passion and dedication. Gong, the 24-year-old Chinese, a die-hard fan of Cristiano Ronaldo set the example of sheer dedication and cycled from China to Saudi Arabia to meet his idol! 

The journey began on 18th March. It covered 13,000 kilometers and lasted seven months, finally taking Gong to the Al Nassr Football Club in Riyadh on 20th October. The South China Morning Post reported the news.

Gong's route took him through Kazakhstan, Georgia, Iran, and Qatar, among other nations, as he navigated diverse landscapes and cultures. Determined to fulfill his dream of meeting the iconic footballer, he cycled on, relying on basic provisions and a spirit of resilience. 

Upon hearing about Gong’s journey, Ronaldo’s team arranged a memorable meeting for him outside the Al Nassr club.

During the encounter, Ronaldo signed Gong's shirt and took several photos with him, acknowledging the immense effort it took to make the journey. Despite the language barriers, economic constraints, and physical exhaustion, Gong remained undeterred. "It was all worth it," he shared with the South China Morning Post.

In addition to signing his jersey, Ronaldo autographed a banner with the names of Gong’s friends, leaving the words, “What I dream of is true love and freedom.”

In China, Ronaldo, affectionately known as "C Luo," is celebrated for his record-breaking career, with over 900 goals and the title of the most-followed individual on Instagram. Gong now plans to continue his travels, setting his sights on visiting Portugal, Ronaldo’s homeland.