Cristiano Ronaldo has shown once again that he is more than a football star. The Portuguese striker, who currently plays for Saudi League side Al Nassr, has sent a plane load of aid to victims of the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
The earthquakes struck the two countries last month, magnitudes of 7.8 and 7.6, leaving more than 44,000 people dead in Turkey and over 50,000 across neighboring Syria. In the wake of the disaster, Ronaldo has stepped up in a big way, sending aid to the areas affected. The 38-year-old has paid for tents, food packages, pillows and blankets, beds, baby food and milk, and medical supplies to help with the humanitarian effort.
Over 500,000 people have been evacuated from Turkey’s 11 affected provinces, over 160,000 buildings have collapsed, and 184 people suspected of complicity have been arrested. But this isn’t the only way Ronaldo has helped out.
He also made a special connection with one of the disaster victims. Syrian boy Nabil Saeed, rescued from the earthquake’s rubble, requested a video that he wanted to meet the footballer. Ronaldo heard about this request and invited the young boy to watch Al Nassr beat Al Batin 3-1 in Riyadh. Saeed was ecstatic to meet the star, telling reporters,
“When I saw Ronaldo, I thought it was a dream. I didn’t believe myself. When this dream would end, I didn’t know. I pray to God that it will not be a dream.”
Ronaldo’s generosity and kindness didn’t end there. After meeting Saeed, the former Manchester United striker also presented the young boy with a signed jersey and took the time to take photos with him.
Their selfless act from Ronaldo has touched many people and inspired others to help in any way they can. His aid to the earthquake victims is an incredible example of how one person can make a difference in the world.
Unsurprisingly, Ronaldo has been named the world’s most charitable athlete. He has donated to many causes over the years, including helping to build schools in Gaza and donating $1.5 million to the victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake. Ronaldo’s actions are a reminder of the power of kindness and how we can all make a difference in the lives of others. His humanitarian efforts are an inspiration to us all and should be commended.