The internet was abuzz on Thursday, February 6, as Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated his 40th birthday.
The Al-Nassr superstar marked the milestone by sharing a picture on social media, prompting an outpouring of love and wishes from fans and celebrities alike. Among the flood of messages was a special note from one of Ronaldo’s most passionate admirers—YouTuber and content creator IShowSpeed.
Speed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., took to the comments section of Ronaldo’s post to wish the football icon a happy birthday.
“Happy birthday Cristiano! Stay Wild and Strong,” wrote the 20-year-old, referencing his own catchphrase and showcasing his unwavering support for CR7.
The message was a testament to the unique bond between the two, which has captivated fans worldwide.
A Mutual Admiration Society
The relationship between IShowSpeed and Cristiano Ronaldo has been a fascinating subplot in the world of sports and entertainment. Speed, a self-proclaimed die-hard Ronaldo fan, has built a significant portion of his online persona around his admiration for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. From wearing Ronaldo’s jerseys during his livestreams to replicating his iconic “Siu” celebration, Speed’s fandom has been both genuine and entertaining.
Interestingly, Ronaldo has also shown appreciation for the young content creator. When Speed celebrated his 20th birthday last month, Ronaldo left a comment on his Instagram post that sent the internet into a frenzy.
“Happy Birthday, Speed! 🎉 Hope your day was great. Stay wild and fast!” wrote Ronaldo. The comment quickly amassed over 2.3 million likes and 21,000 replies, making it the second most-liked comment on Instagram.
The most-liked comment, incidentally, also belongs to Ronaldo, further cementing his status as a social media powerhouse.
From Fan to Friend: Speed’s Journey to Meeting His Idol
IShowSpeed’s rise to fame has been nothing short of meteoric. Known for his high-energy livestreams, controversial antics, and unfiltered personality, Speed has become a household name in the world of online content creation. However, his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo has remained a constant throughout his journey.
Speed’s devotion to Ronaldo was put to the test in December 2022 when the Portuguese superstar left Manchester United under less-than-ideal circumstances to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. The YouTuber was visibly distraught, even shedding tears during a livestream as he processed the news. Despite the setback, Speed’s loyalty to his idol never wavered.
In 2022, Speed traveled to Qatar to watch Ronaldo play in the FIFA World Cup, further demonstrating his dedication. However, it wasn’t until June 2023 that his dream of meeting Ronaldo finally came true. After Portugal’s 3-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in a Euro 2024 qualifier, Speed waited outside the stadium in hopes of catching a glimpse of his hero.
Fate intervened when AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, who had previously appeared on Speed’s livestreams, spotted the YouTuber and stopped to chat. Leao went above and beyond by halting Ronaldo’s car, allowing Speed to meet his idol face-to-face. The encounter was nothing short of magical for the young content creator.
Ronaldo stepped out of his vehicle, greeted Speed warmly, and even engaged in a brief conversation. Overwhelmed with emotion, Speed showed Ronaldo a tattoo he had gotten in his honor and performed the iconic “Siu” celebration alongside the football legend. The moment was a culmination of years of admiration and dedication, and it left Speed—and his millions of fans—thrilled.
A Bond That Transcends Boundaries
The relationship between IShowSpeed and Cristiano Ronaldo is a testament to the power of fandom and the unexpected connections it can foster. While Speed’s journey from fan to friend is unique, it also highlights Ronaldo’s ability to connect with his supporters on a personal level. Whether it’s through a heartfelt comment on social media or a chance meeting outside a stadium, Ronaldo has consistently shown appreciation for those who admire him.
As both Speed and Ronaldo continue to dominate their respective fields, their bond serves as a reminder of the impact that passion, dedication, and a little bit of luck can have. For Speed, meeting Ronaldo was a dream come true. For Ronaldo, it was an opportunity to acknowledge the unwavering support of one of his most vocal fans. And for the rest of us, it’s a heartwarming story that proves even the wildest dreams can come true.
Happy 40th birthday, Cristiano Ronaldo—and here’s to many more years of inspiring fans like IShowSpeed to stay wild, strong, and fast!
