Cristiano Ronaldo: When Donald Trump backed the Al Nassr star to become Portugal's president, video

• Former United States President, Donald Trump, once backed Cristiano Ronaldo to become the first gentleman of Portugal
• Back in 2018, when Portugal's president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, visited the White House, Trump playfully teased
• While CR7 has not made public his political ambitions, many have pointed to his social media 'army' as an indicator of his viability

Cristiano Ronaldo's immense popularity is undeniable, with a colossal fan base spanning various social media platforms.

The Portuguese superstar stands out as one of the most recognisable athletes globally.

Former United States President Donald Trump once tipped Cristiano Ronaldo to become the leader of his country. Photos by Bill Pugliano and Justin Setterfield.
Source: UGC

Ronaldo's undeniable popularity

To illustrate, in February 2021, the 39-year-old became the first person to amass 500 million followers across Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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Fast forward to March 2024, and Forbes reports that the 39-year-old boasts a staggering 903 million followers, a number that keeps climbing.

What makes Cristiano Ronaldo popular?

Beyond his football prowess, Cristiano's goal-scoring feats, striking good looks, and signature 'Siuu' celebration have cemented his unmatched fame.

Introduced in 2013 during his time at Real Madrid, the 'Siuu' gesture has been widely adopted by athletes and celebrities across various sports and is hailed as the most iconic celebration in football history.

Does Ronaldo stand a chance in politics?

Given these attributes, one cannot help but wonder about Ronaldo's potential impact if he entered politics.

If his social media followers were any indication, he would secure a sweeping victory, even in a presidential race.

Donald Trump backs Ronaldo to win Portugal's presidential elections

In 2018, former U.S. President Donald Trump humorously suggested that Ronaldo would triumph over Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa in a presidential election.

Marcelo, Portugal's president since 2016, appeared to dismiss the notion with a laugh, but Trump, eyeing a return to the White House in the November general elections in the USA, insisted the 76-year-old would lose.

When President Marcelo reacted by stating "no doubt," Trump playfully said,

Ronaldo questions Lionel Messi's Ballon d'Or legitimacy

In an earlier report, Legit.ng revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo once reacted to a social media post criticising Lionel Messi's eighth Ballon d'Or victory.

Spanish journalist Tomas Roncero slammed the decision to award the Argentine playmaker in an Instagram post.

Ronaldo liked and responded to the post with four laughing emojis, showing his disagreement with Messi's achievement.

Source: YEN.com.gh