Ronaldo follows Messi's 'bisht moment' by donning thobe and waving sword on Saudi national day

Christiano Ronaldo celebrated Saudi Arabia's Founding Day national holiday on Wednesday by wearing a thobe, the white gown commonly worn by men in the country.

The Portuguese star paraded the national outfit whilst waving a sword held at a ceremony held at Al-Nassr's Mrsool Park, along with other foreign players of the Riyadh-based club.

Players Álvaro and Talisca wore the Saudi national dress, as well as coach Rudi Garcia who also donned gutrah and agal headdress.

The moment was celebrated by Ronaldo fans, particularly those in the Arab world, who see it as a sign that he's settling in well in the kingdom.

"Ronaldo in a thobe doing dabke is killing me," one fan wrote.

"How good does ronaldo look in a thobe tho," another person said.

Traditional Thob suits him 😍 pic.twitter.com/5hFAbDnL4T

— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) February 22, 2023

South African football outlet 'Kick Off' also praised Ronaldo's efforts to adapt to his new home. 

"Much like Pitso Mosimane, Cristiano Ronaldo looks to be getting the hang of his new environment in Saudi Arabia, as the Portuguese superstar was spotted rocking an Arab thobe," said the football outlet.

"If you told me a year ago we'd see Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia wearing a thobe I’d have called you insane…. Couldn’t be happier to see this for the region!" another fan wrote.

It follows the praise across the Arab world Lionel Messi won when he donned a bisht cloak when he lifted the World Cup trophy for Argentina in Qatar in December.

Photos are coming soon 😉💚@AlNassrFC pic.twitter.com/vm7mm4WQIv

— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) February 22, 2023

Ronaldo became the world's highest-paid footballer when he signed for Saudi club shortly after the Qatar World Cup, with a two-and-a-half years contract worth around $173 million year.

After a disappointing start for Al-Nassr, he has glided well into the side, scoring five goals in four games and winning huge plaudits from fans.

He has also moved out of his $ 250,000-a-month hotel and into his first Saudi home with his family in another sign the footballer is settling into his role as a sports ambassador for the kingdom.