Forced to Give Up Soccer, ‘House Of Dragon’ Star Matt Smith Reveals Encounter With the ‘Real Ronaldo’ During Vacations

Meeting one’s idol is nothing less than a dream come true for anyone. Matt Smith, the renowned actor and star of the hit TV show House of the Dragon is no different either. The English actor, who had to give up a professional soccer career, recently shared an anecdote of his surprising encounter with his legendary soccer idol while on vacation.

As a twist of fate led Matt Smith to explore an alternative career, it steered him towards theater and acting. Little did he know that this transition would eventually bring him face-to-face with an icon of the sport.

Matt Smith bumped into his ‘hero’ while on vacation

Long before he graced our screens in House of the Dragons, Matt Smith pursued his passion for soccer. In a candid conversation with Chris Evans on Virgin Radio UK’s podcast, Matt Smith shared the story of how he came across his idol and hero, Ronaldo Nazario in an unexpected turn of events. Smith revealed that he met Ronaldo during a vacation in Ibiza. He said that he was with his friends when they bumped into the Brazilian legend.

“So, I was in Ibiza with my mates, and I bumped into the real Ronaldo, the real Ronaldo R9, and I thought, oh man, you know… Anyway, I can’t go and say anything, so we went and did this, we just pointed at him and said ‘what’s up mate!’,” Smith said.

“Anyway, we walked away and his mate popped over right, gave a little tap on the shoulder, and said, “Do you want to meet Ronaldo?”, as they eagerly accepted the offer. Matt, an admirer of Ronaldo’s exploits on the pitch, found himself face-to-face with his childhood hero.

As conversation flowed, Matt couldn’t help but express his admiration in Portuguese, saying, “Estamos juntos,” which translates to “We are together.” The response from Ronaldo was heartwarming as he echoed the same words, “Estamos juntos, Matt, Estamos juntos.” It was a moment of a brief but profound encounter between a star from the football world and a rising star in the entertainment industry.

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Matt Smith was forced to give up soccer

Matt Smith had a promising soccer career ahead of him, having played for the youth teams of Nottingham Forest and Leicester City. He was even tipped to become a professional soccer player, but his dreams were shattered by a serious back injury. When asked in the podcast about his stance on his career, Matt said, “I wish I was a footballer, Chris.” Despite being forced to give up the beautiful game, Smith’s love for the sport never faded. He is still a passionate fan, and he often talks about his footballing days in interviews.

Matt Smith’s story serves as a reminder that life often unfolds in the most unexpected and delightful ways. It reminds us that even in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, there are genuine, unscripted moments that leave a lasting impact. Smith’s rendezvous with ‘R9’ adds another captivating chapter to the celebrity encounters.

As Matt Smith’s star continues to rise, we can’t wait to see what other unexpected adventures await him. One thing is certain: the magic of life’s twists and turns never ceases to amaze us, just like the day Matt Smith met Cristiano Ronaldo.

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