Ronaldo stood up to bullies who mocked a Japanese boy for trying to speak in Portuguese

In the world of sports, Cristiano Ronaldo is a name almost everyone recognizes, thanks to his extraordinary contributions to football. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star is renowned for his relentless pursuit of goals, but he’s equally admired for his kindness off the field. In a viral video from a promotional event in Japan, Ronaldo is seen engaging with a young Japanese fan, as reported by The Bleacher.

In a YouTube video shared by Oh My Goal, a young Japanese fan nervously tries to speak Portuguese to Ronaldo, his idol. Though he stumbles over his words, it’s a remarkable effort considering it’s not his native language. Sadly, the audience begins to laugh and mock the boy for his mistakes. Ronaldo, however, wasn’t amused. He stepped in to address the crowd, praising the boy’s courage for speaking in a foreign language and encouraging his efforts.

Demanding respect, Ronaldo tells the audience not to laugh but instead should appreciate the boy's efforts to speak the language. His words, "Why do they laugh? Why? He speaks good Portuguese! Very good. They should be happy because he tries very hard."

In addition to defending his fans, Ronaldo gave insight on how to succeed and advised the boy to believe in his own capabilities. He had some extra tips for the Japanese fan sitting beside him as he said, "Work hard and dedicate yourself one hundred percent and dream."

In the video, we also see Ronaldo sign the young boy's t-shirt - a gesture that would have made his day. After receiving an autograph from his idol, the young Japanese boy shows his true dedication to learning Portuguese as he thanks his idol in his native language despite not being fluent in the dialect. This goes on to show his love for Ronaldo and the gestures he would be willing to make just to interact with him. The Real Madrid legend demanding respect for the boy's effort sets an example of inclusivity and respect for diversity.