In the last couple of years, the Saudi Pro League has witnessed a massive surge in popularity. It has been garnering interest from all over the world since acquiring top-notch names like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. In fact, the fascination transcends the soccer pitch, attracting followers from a variety of sports. Enter Carlos Alcaraz, the rising Spanish tennis sensation, who recently claimed that he follows Al Nassr because “Cristiano is there.”

As Alcaraz gears up for the 2024 Australian Open, we explore the unique fusion of the tennis and soccer worlds, examining how Ronaldo’s charm extends its influence across varied sporting environments.

Carloz Alcaraz is an Al Nassr fan, thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo

Revered tennis stars are currently in Saudi Arabia to play in the Riyadh Tennis Cup. Amidst the occasion, Spanish maestro Carlos Alcaraz recently admitted his admiration for Al Nassr. While speaking to correspondent Dana Al-Qahtani, he said, “I don’t know so much about Riyadh, but it’s a place that I really want to see a little bit and how the city is. All I know is the team of football, Al Nassr. That’s all I know. For example, [Aymeric] Laporte is playing there, Cristiano is playing there, so I know a little bit of Riyadh for the team, but I would like to know Riyadh for other things as a well.” 

Al-Qahtani asked if the tennis star follows Al Nassr a lot, to which Alcaraz replied, “Well, I don’t follow it too much, but if Cristiano is there, I follow it.” Indeed, it is quite an interesting revelation from the 2X Grand Slam winner. These words surely would have brought a smile to Ronaldo’s face. Notably, with the Riyadh Tennis Cup happening in Ronaldo’s city, we might see Ronaldo grace the event, given that he has often marked his presence in other sporting events like boxing in the Middle Eastern city. Meanwhile, this won’t be the only fandom revelation that will drop your jaws.

A surprising devotee of Al Nassr 

In a curious turn of events, FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has unexpectedly joined the Al Nassr fanbase, expressing his admiration for the Knights of the Najd. In an interview, he said, “In the Saudi League, I follow Al-Nassr.” Laporta’s surprise admission adds an unexpected twist, given his history of feuds with Ronaldo at Real Madrid. 

READ MORE: Roberto Martinez Credits Saudi Pro League for ‘Positive’ Influence on Cristiano Ronaldo & Portugal NT Teammates – “Able to Play at a High Level”

The curiousness grew even more as a Saudi pundit astoundingly once asserted that “Al Nassr is stronger ⁩than FC Barcelona,” throwing dirt on the legendary Spanish side. Either way, one thing is certain: the presence of Ronaldo in Al Nassr has surely bolstered the soccer landscape of Saudi Arabia. 

WATCH THIS STORY: Ten Times Cristiano Ronaldo Scored Four Goals in a Game