Toronto fans would choose five minutes with Ronaldo over lifetime Leafs or Raptors tickets
As Cristiano Ronaldo played his final World Cup match in the city, a street survey found the superstar has captivated Toronto's sports fans beyond measure.
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Cristiano Ronaldo fever has gripped Toronto as the 41-year-old Portuguese superstar played what could be his final World Cup match in the city on Thursday. Fans interviewed by NOW Toronto said they would rather spend five minutes with the forward than receive lifetime front-row season passes to the Raptors or Leafs.
A fan who commuted from Hamilton said "Five minutes with Ronaldo is the obvious answer, for sure," citing his global status. Another who travelled from Windsor agreed without hesitation. Even a self-described Leafs and Raptors fan, despite saying she'd "definitely purchase tickets" for those games, chose Ronaldo when forced to pick.
The magnetism extends beyond the stadium. Fans have travelled from across North America to catch the match, including American streamer IShowSpeed, whose flight to Toronto was cancelled but who sought alternative ways to attend. The Portuguese community in the city has been particularly energized, with thousands gathering outside venues where Ronaldo stayed.
