In a revealing interview on the “Thmanyah Sports” podcast (February 20, 2026), former Al-Nassr player Shaye Sharahili shared a touching anecdote about Cristiano Ronaldo’s integration into Saudi culture.
According to Sharahili, the Portuguese superstar chose to fast alongside his Muslim teammates for two days during Ramadan last year.
The “Two-Day Experiment”
Ronaldo, known for his obsessive attention to sports science and nutrition, reportedly wanted to experience the physical and mental discipline required of his teammates during the holy month.
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The Goal: Sharahili noted that Ronaldo wasn’t looking for a religious conversion but rather a way to “understand the feelings” of his peers who train and play while abstaining from food and water from dawn to sunset.
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The Practice: He reportedly participated in the full routine, including joining the team for Iftar (the sunset meal) and Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal), even as he continued his high-intensity training sessions.
Professionalism and Cultural Respect
The gesture has been hailed within the Al-Nassr dressing room as a testament to Ronaldo’s leadership.
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Adaptability: By voluntarily joining the fast, even briefly, Ronaldo demonstrated a level of cultural empathy that has helped solidify his status as a legendary figure in the Saudi Pro League.
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Team Morale: Sharahili explained that such acts of solidarity significantly boosted team spirit, bridging the gap between the European star and the local squad members.
Ramadan 2026: The Current Landscape
As Ramadan began again this week (February 18, 2026), the anecdote resurfaced as a reminder of how the Saudi league uniquely accommodates the month.
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Schedule Shifts: Unlike European leagues where fasting often sparks debate over performance, the Saudi Pro League shifts match kick-offs to 10:00 PM to ensure players can hydrate and eat before competing.
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Ronaldo’s Current Form: At 41 years old, Ronaldo remains in peak condition, recently scoring in Al-Nassr’s 2–0 win over Al-Fateh just as the holy month commenced.