In a feel-good story that exemplifies why Cristiano Ronaldo remains a global icon beyond his goal-scoring prowess, the 40-year-old Al-Nassr forward has once again shown his class by remembering a young admirer from years ago. Back in 2019, when Ronaldo was dominating at Juventus, a 7-year-old boy named Laurindo Junior from Terceira Island in the Azores archipelago penned a heartfelt letter to his idol. Sharing his dream of becoming a professional footballer, Laurindo drew parallels between their island upbringings—Ronaldo hails from Madeira, another Portuguese island known for its rugged beauty and humble beginnings. Touched by the boy’s sincerity, Ronaldo responded with encouraging words, motivating Laurindo to pursue his passion relentlessly. The exchange didn’t end there; Laurindo even got the chance to meet Ronaldo in person, creating a memory that fueled his journey.

Fast forward to December 2025, and Laurindo’s dedication has paid off spectacularly. Now 13, the talented youngster has earned his first call-up to the Portugal U15 national team, making his competitive debut in a youth tournament. This milestone marks a significant step in his budding career, showcasing his skills as a promising forward with speed and vision reminiscent of his hero. Laurindo shared the exciting news on Instagram, posting a photo of himself in the national kit, beaming with pride. The post quickly gained traction among Portuguese football fans, but the real magic happened when Ronaldo himself commented: “Congratulations on this milestone, Lau. I’m supporting you!!” The simple yet powerful message, complete with emojis, sent waves of inspiration across social media, reminding everyone of Ronaldo’s enduring connection to his roots and supporters.

Ronaldo, who has amassed over 900 career goals and five Ballon d’Or awards, has always emphasized the importance of hard work and perseverance. Born in 1985 on Madeira, he rose from poverty to stardom through sheer determination, starting at Sporting CP before stints at Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Despite his busy schedule, including leading Portugal to Euro 2016 glory and captaining them in multiple World Cups, Ronaldo has a history of uplifting young talents. He’s mentored players like Gonçalo Ramos and Diogo Dalot, and his CR7 academies in Portugal nurture aspiring kids. This gesture to Laurindo underscores his off-field legacy: a philanthropist who’s donated millions to charities, built hospitals, and inspired generations.

Laurindo’s story resonates deeply in Portugal’s island communities, where opportunities are scarce. Terceira, part of the Azores, is a volcanic paradise with a population under 60,000, far from the mainland’s football hubs. Yet, Laurindo’s family supported his move to a youth academy on the continent, echoing Ronaldo’s own relocation at age 12. The U15 call-up came after impressive performances in regional leagues, where scouts noted his technical flair and goal-scoring instinct.

As Laurindo embarks on this new chapter, Ronaldo’s endorsement could open doors to top clubs. Fans have flooded social media with praise, calling it a “full-circle moment” that proves dreams can come true. In an era where athletes often seem distant, Ronaldo’s personal touch reaffirms his status as a true legend—on and off the pitch. Who knows? Perhaps one day, Laurindo will share the senior Portugal squad with his idol’s successors.