Napoli striker opens up about emotional first meeting with Portuguese legend following 2021 Napoli-Juventus showdown
Napoli’s prolific forward, Victor Osimhen, has taken fans behind the scenes of one of his most memorable moments on the pitch — not for a goal, but for a rare encounter with football megastar Cristiano Ronaldo.
In a recent chat with Nigerian media personality Daddy Freeze, the Super Eagles striker detailed how he waited nearly an hour after a match just to snap a picture with the Portuguese icon, describing the experience as both humbling and unforgettable.
The event occurred in 2021 after Napoli’s narrow 1–0 victory over Juventus in a fiercely contested Serie A match. Ronaldo, who was still playing for Juventus at the time, had caught Osimhen’s admiration long before the game. But for Osimhen, meeting the five-time Ballon d’Or winner in person went far beyond a typical fan experience.
“I said to him, ‘Chris, I would like to take a picture with you,’” Osimhen recounted. “He said, ‘Yeah, come to the dressing room.’”
With that unexpected invitation, the Nigerian striker quickly made his way to the Juventus locker room — still clad in his Napoli match kit — eagerly anticipating a once-in-a-lifetime photo with his idol. But the journey didn’t end there.
Osimhen explained that upon arriving at the Juventus dressing area, Ronaldo wasn’t immediately available. That’s when he encountered another football legend — Italian goalkeeping great Gianluigi Buffon.
“Buffon saw me, came to me, and asked what I wanted,” Osimhen said. “He went to the gym and told me Ronaldo was working out. Then he told me to sit with him.”
What followed was an unexpected bonding moment with Buffon, as the two stars sat together chatting while waiting for Ronaldo to finish his post-match workout. The minutes ticked by — 30 minutes, then 45 — and still, no sign of Ronaldo.
“We were just talking,” Osimhen recalled. “It was almost 30 minutes. He was not out yet. I waited for one hour, and he was still working out.”
Despite the long wait, Osimhen remained patient, knowing the significance of the opportunity. And eventually, his perseverance paid off.
“He finally came out, and he was so cool,” Osimhen said. “He said, ‘Great game, just keep on going,’ and I shook his hand. He posed for the selfie and even encouraged me to take more photos.”
The Nigerian forward noted how surprised he was by Ronaldo’s humility, considering the Al Nassr forward’s global fame and stature in the game.
“Nobody is surprised seeing Ronaldo doing what he’s doing now,” he added. “But he’s actually a great personality.”
That moment, according to Osimhen, left a deep impression on him — not just as a player, but as a young footballer navigating the pressures of Europe’s top leagues. He emphasized how Ronaldo’s encouraging words and willingness to engage offered motivation at a time when he was still finding his feet in Italy’s top flight.
The now-25-year-old Osimhen has since gone on to become one of the most feared strikers in world football. After helping Napoli secure their first Serie A title in over three decades during the 2022–2023 season, he has continued to rise in stature, with interest from clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain swirling around his future.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo, now playing in Saudi Arabia for Al Nassr, remains one of the sport’s most marketable and competitive players — still breaking records even in his late 30s.
Their careers may have taken very different paths, but the brief meeting in 2021 served as a symbolic torch-passing moment — from one global icon to a rising African star.
Osimhen on Meeting Role Models
The Napoli striker also touched on how important such moments are for younger players like himself, especially those coming from Africa.
“When you grow up watching these legends, and then one day you’re sharing the pitch with them, it feels surreal,” Osimhen said. “But when they acknowledge you, give you advice, it stays with you forever.”
Osimhen’s respect for Ronaldo stretches beyond admiration for his goal-scoring records. He lauded the veteran’s work ethic, professionalism, and humility, calling it an example that many young players should follow.
“What stood out to me the most was how down-to-earth he was. For someone of his caliber to take the time to talk, to wait and take pictures, it shows why he is not just a football great but a great person.”
As Osimhen continues to grow his brand and expand his influence in world football, moments like these continue to shape his perspective — reminding him of the importance of staying grounded and inspiring the next generation.
Final Thoughts
Victor Osimhen’s story of waiting an hour to meet Cristiano Ronaldo reveals more than just a fan moment — it paints a picture of passion, patience, and the deep respect that connects footballers across generations. For young African talents looking up to him now, Osimhen has become what Ronaldo was to him that day: a symbol of possibility.
And perhaps one day, another rising star will wait just as long after a game — not for Ronaldo, but for Osimhen.
