Buzz

Three-Year-Old Boy Who Lost His Parents in a Suicide Bombing Meets His Idol Cristiano Ronaldo

Three-Year-Old Boy Who Lost His Parents in a Suicide Bombing Meets His Idol Cristiano Ronaldo

Haidar had recently turned three years old when he lost both his parents in a tragic suicide bombing in Bouj Al-Barajneh, Beirut.

The suicide bombing, which struck Lebanon’s capital on November 12, injured the three-year-old and left him as an orphan.

Within days, local reporter Rana Harbi tweeted about Haidar and his story with photographs of him in hospital dressed in Real Madrid’s home and away outfits.

“Can we help Haidar (who lost both his parents in the terrorist attack on Beirut) meet Cristiano [Ronaldo]?” tweeted Harbi on November 16, citing Cristiano Ronaldo as Haidar’s favorite football player. The tweet quickly went viral, with more than 9,000 shares of Harbi’s tweet and tens of thousands of tweets using the hashtag #CristianoMeetHaidar.

Less than 24 hours later, Real Madrid answered Harbi’s tweet and contacted Haidar’s guardians to organize a meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I’m out of words. Can’t beleive Haidar will actually meet Cristiano Ronaldo. Thanks everyone. Never underestimate the power of a tweet,” said Harbi on Twitter.

A month later, on December 18, Haidar’s dreams finally came true. Real Madrid flew the young boy to Madrid where he shared a heart-warming moment with the Portuguese superstar, his team mates and other Real Madrid personalities, including Florentino Perez, the Chief of the Club.

As Haidar, dressed in a personalized club shirt, was hugged by Cristiano Ronaldo, he quickly broke down in tears while also attempting to smile.

On Twitter, Real Madrid shared a photograph of Ronaldo and the three-year-old fan.

“Haidar, a three-year-old Real Madrid fan who lost both of his parents in a bombing in Beirut in November, spent a few days in Madrid last week. He had the chance to fulfill one of his dreams by meeting his idol Cristiano Ronaldo,” said Real Madrid on Twitter.

Rana Harbi, who effectively allowed for this encounter to happen, tweeted photographs of Haidar playing soccer and video games with football player Marcelo Vieira’s son, adding that her “faith in humanity” had been restored.

Watch What Happens When Egyptians Start Playing Music on an EgyptAir Flight
Young Egyptian Street Vendor Shatters Stereotypes and Inspires Social Media Users

Subscribe to our newsletter


Buzz

More in Buzz

Diplomatic Detente No More? Explaining Iran’s Attempts to Restore Ties with Egypt

Shereif Barakat31 May 2023

Ezbet Gedy: Fresh Food Prepared by Hardworking Egyptian Mothers

Marina Makary29 May 2023

Build Your Skincare Routine with Organic Products from Egyptian brands

Amina Abdel-Halim29 May 2023

5 Hidden Gems in Cairo Worth Exploring in 2023

Dina Khadr28 May 2023

Egypt’s Al Ahly Basketball Team Clinch African Championship

Shereif Barakat28 May 2023

Making Nations Pay for Climate Change: 6 Questions on the Loss and Damage Fund

Omar Auf24 May 2023

Social Media Reacts to First Edition of Egypt Fashion Week

Amina Abdel-Halim23 May 2023

Is Egypt’s ‘Masyaf’ Season Canceled This Year?

Marina Makary22 May 2023