Hong Kong football fans thronged a luxury shopping mall on Monday for the grand opening of the “CR7 LIFE Museum Hong Kong,” a first-of-its-kind exhibition outside Portugal celebrating global football icon Cristiano Ronaldo.
The event drew long lines, with enthusiasts queuing for hours to glimpse the footballer’s personal memorabilia and pose with life-sized statues capturing his most iconic moments.
Among the key attractions are Ronaldo’s trophies, game-worn jerseys, and lifelike sculptures, including one depicting his signature airborne celebration and another dressed in traditional Saudi attire—symbolizing his current career chapter at Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.
The exhibit occupies a sprawling 12,000-square-foot space (approximately 1,110 square metres) and aims to showcase the star’s life, achievements, and global impact.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is my idol… he’s special,” said 14-year-old Alvin Lai, who arrived early and led a queue of over 100 eager fans. University student Henry Singh echoed the admiration, saying, “He’s the most hardworking person out there. He’s 40 years old and still going very strong.”
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or recipient, recently extended his contract with Al Nassr, calling it a “new chapter” in a statement shared via Instagram. The club is also scheduled to participate in a pre-season tournament in Hong Kong next month, further fuelling local excitement.
Tomas Froes, representing Ronaldo’s family office, told AFP that the exhibition sends “a strong message for everyone to achieve their dreams,” and hinted at a surprise visit by Ronaldo himself: “He will be greeting fans at the museum very soon.”
The exhibition is set to remain in Hong Kong for one year before embarking on a tour across mainland China, where it will continue to celebrate the legacy of one of football’s most enduring figures.
What You Should Know
- The “CR7 LIFE Museum Hong Kong,” opened on July 7, 2025, at a luxury mall, is the first Ronaldo exhibition outside Portugal, spanning 12,000 square feet.
- Featuring Ronaldo’s trophies, jerseys, and life-sized statues, it will run for a year before moving to mainland China, per organizers.
- Fans, including Alvin Lai and Henry Singh, lauded Ronaldo’s work ethic and legacy, with the star set to visit during Al Nassr’s Hong Kong tournament.
- Tomas Froes emphasized the exhibit’s inspirational message, aligning with global stories of ambition like Nigeria’s WAFCON win and Modric’s Milan move.
- The event underscores Ronaldo’s enduring appeal, with further details on its full scope potentially emerging as it gains traction, per X posts like @CR7FanClub.
