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Lars Hamer

Thousands of fans descended on Hong Kong Stadium to watch Cristiano Ronaldo play in the final of the Saudi Super Cup on Saturday.
Even if the supercharged atmosphere that followed the footballing superstar to the arena earlier this week was somewhat reduced for the final, hundreds of fans had already arrived at the stadium in Causeway Bay two hours before Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr kicked off against Al-Ahli.
And while the black clouds that prompted the No 1 typhoon signal threatened to put a dampener on proceedings, the number of those specifically supporting Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Saudi Arabian football in general had grown.
“I like both clubs, but my wife supports Ahli. I’m just here to show support for Saudi football,” 58-year-old Salim Alsiari said. “We were also here for the Al-Ahli game against Qadsiah.”
Throughout the week, the four Saudi clubs playing in Hong Kong had been cheered on by their official fan groups, who made friends among locals by handing out free club scarves before games.

Their presence was felt even more when they took to the stands, beating drums and singing their club songs.
And ahead of Saturday’s final, their numbers had multiplied, with a notable increase in the number of dedicated fans of both sides, swelling the crowd again after Wednesday’s poorly attended second semi-final.
Stalls in the stadium indicated that no alcohol or pork would be sold at the event.
“We had more fans travel from Saudi Arabia for the game today,” Al-Ahli fan group member Ahmed Ali said. “I’m confident we will win, even if most people here are cheering for Ronaldo.”
Father and son Michael and Matthew Ngai said they “kind of worshipped” the Portuguese player.
“A couple of years ago, we went to Ronaldo’s hometown in Madeira and looked around the places he grew up and visited the museum there,” Michael Ngai said.
“I really like him,” 12-year-old Matthew said. “He is very determined. I hope I can see him at the World Cup [in 2026].”
Angela Lee, from Guangzhou, had made a banner with Ronaldo’s name on it and was hoping the forward would give her his shirt after the match.
“Ronaldo. Legend. GOAT,” 14-year-old Lee said. “I’ve liked him for two years. I was supposed to see him in Shenzhen, but the match got cancelled [last year, because of an injury to Ronaldo].
“I’m so excited to see him this time.”
Inside the stadium and throughout the match, the atmosphere was lively with Al-Ahli fans adding to the colour.
Their more than 70 fans grouped together in green in the South Stand were in full voice, and upped their volume whenever Ronaldo got the ball in attempt to drown out the roughly 25,000 who were cheering.


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Saudi Super Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo pulls in fans for final in Hong Kong

Al-Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo during the warm-up before the Saudi Super Cup final. Photo: Reuters

Neither alcohol nor pork products were permitted at the stadium. Photo: Lars Hamer

From Riyadh to Hong Kong: Saudi Super Cup fans make presence felt

Fans prepare to watch Ronaldo and co at Hong Kong Stadium. Photo: Elson Li

The yellow shirts of Al-Nassr dominate at Hong Kong Stadium on Tuesday. Photo: Elson Li

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Coleman Wong beat American Billy Harris in the third round of the qualifiers on Friday. Photo: Facebook/Coleman Wong Chak-lam

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Sport

China

Football

Hong Kong

Larger number of fans attached to Saudi clubs this time at Hong Kong Stadium, but no doubting who the most popular attraction is


Larger number of fans attached to Saudi clubs this time at Hong Kong Stadium, but no doubting who the most popular attraction is.


Saudi Super Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo pulls in fans for final in Hong Kong

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Larger number of fans attached to Saudi clubs this time at Hong Kong Stadium, but no doubting who the most popular attraction is

Larger number of fans attached to Saudi clubs this time at Hong Kong Stadium, but no doubting who the most popular attraction is