Former Al-Nassr player Shaye Sharahili revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo fasted during Ramadan last year to experience what it’s like for Muslims.
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in the winter of 2013, and since then, he has been keen to respect and fully integrate into Arab culture.
According to Sharahili, Ronaldo fasted for two days last Ramadan, adding, “He tried fasting with the Muslim players at Al-Nassr. He fasted for two days to experience firsthand what Muslims feel during this month.”
Sharahili emphasized that Ronaldo’s fasting was a personal experience, driven by curiosity and a desire to understand the local culture. It wasn’t a permanent commitment, although some athletes believe fasting has health benefits.
Saudi authorities consistently work to facilitate players’ experience of fasting by scheduling matches later in the night, after a sufficient period for breaking the fast, just as is the case in other Arab countries.
Muslim professional players in Europe may have suffered from some clubs preventing them from fasting, but in recent years, with the emergence of stars like Mohamed Salah, Lamine Yamal, and others, it has become normal for Muslims to fast in the top five leagues with the support of clubs and associations.
