Cristiano Ronaldo has been filmed surprising an Al-Nassr staff member with a birthday cake and song, leaving the chef in tears as he embraced the footballing legend
Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United prior to the Premier League match between Everton FC and Manchester United at Goodison Park on October 09, 2022 in Liverpool, England.
Cristiano Ronaldo showed his true colours with a heartwarming gesture
(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo showed his true heartwarming nature after the former Manchester United man's birthday cake surprise reduced an Al-Nassr staff member to tears.
The club chef, who was working during his birthday at the pre-season training camp, became emotional when the Portuguese icon took time away from his rigorous schedule to mark the special day with him.
Ronaldo has built a formidable reputation as a dedicated and laser-focused player, determined to succeed at any cost, and has rarely revealed glimpses of his gentler, more compassionate side. This unwavering commitment to his profession has delivered remarkable results, with numerous major honours to his name and an impressive tally of 938 career goals to date.
The 40-year-old has thrived throughout every chapter of his career and will be remembered as one of the most cherished and acclaimed players in football history. In his two stints at Old Trafford, Ronaldo made 346 appearances - scoring 145 goals and assisting 65 times.
He also won three Premier League titles, one Champions League, a host of domestic cup honours, and his first of five Ballon d'Or trophies.
Despite all this success, Ronaldo has faced his share of criticism during his career, especially concerning his character.
Yet, the Portuguese striker has demonstrated just how kind and caring he is after being filmed bringing the Al-Nassr staff member to tears. In footage shared on social media, Ronaldo can be seen surprising one of the chefs with an enormous birthday cake decorated with sparklers and candles.
As he presents the cake with a grin and a song, the chef becomes visibly moved before Ronaldo gives him a warm hug. The clip rapidly spread across the internet and became viral, with viewers rushing to commend Ronaldo's gesture, with one noting: "Ronaldo, what a top dude for real."
One fan said: "And people say he is arrogant. My GOAT," while another added: "Ronaldo is genuinely a nice guy."
This heartwarming interaction with a staff member offers fans a rare insight into the Portuguese star's off-pitch persona.
Al-Nassr are currently undergoing pre-season training in Austria. In friendly matches throughout July, they have already claimed victories over SK St Johann and Toulouse FC.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr goal celebration after scoring a goal to make the score 1-1 during the pre season match between Al-Nassr v FC Toulouse at MGG Arena on July 30, 2025 in Grodig, Austria.
Ronaldo is often labelled an 'arrogant' player on the pitch
Their final friendly match in Austria will be against Championship team Sheffield United, before they head to Spain to face UD Almeria on August 10.
After scoring the equaliser against Toulouse and maintaining his scoring streak at the ripe age of 40, Ronaldo shared a determined message with his followers on social media.
The veteran forward said: "The hunger never fades. Still work to do and we're just getting started," accompanied by a flexing emoji.
The Saudi Pro League is due to kick off on Thursday, 28 August, with Al-Nassr participating in the Saudi Super Cup prior to the start of the regular season. They are set to play against league champions Al-Ittihad in the semi-final of the cup competition on 19 August at 1pm UK time.