Darts prodigy Luke Littler is currently in Saudi Arabia, not only to compete in the prestigious Saudi Arabia Masters – a key World Series event – but also with a burning personal ambition: to meet his football idol, Cristiano Ronaldo. A lifelong Manchester United fan, Littler hopes the Portuguese legend, who now plays in the Saudi Pro League, might grace the darts tournament with his presence. Beyond this starstruck quest, Littler is intensely focused on reclaiming his dominant form after a recent defeat and has his sights set on a massive £150,000 prize.
The Darts Prodigy’s Unexpected Saudi Ambition
The darts world is buzzing as sensation Luke Littler arrives in Riyadh for the second World Series event of 2026, the Saudi Arabia Masters. While the competition is fierce, it’s clear Littler has more on his mind than just hitting the bullseye.
A Fan’s Dream: Meeting Cristiano Ronaldo
Littler’s admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo is no secret. As a devoted supporter of Manchester United, the club where Ronaldo achieved legendary status, the opportunity to be in the same country as his hero is almost as exciting as the tournament itself. Ronaldo has been a prominent figure in the Saudi Arabian sports scene for three years, playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
Here’s why a meeting with CR7 holds such significance for Littler:
- Manchester United Connection: Ronaldo is a cult hero for United fans worldwide, including Littler.
- Ronaldo’s Sporting Presence: Since moving to Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo has become a regular attendee at major sporting events, particularly boxing and UFC. Littler is hopeful he might add darts to this list.
- Expressed Admiration: Littler openly shared his desire to meet the superstar striker at the 2024 BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony. He expressed, “Yeah, it’d be huge. Hopefully he’s not busy and he can come and watch us.“
For “The Nuke,” as Littler is known, a handshake or even a brief conversation with one of football’s greatest would undoubtedly be a highlight of his trip.
The Saudi Arabia Masters: A Crucial Return to Form
While the prospect of meeting Ronaldo is exciting, Littler’s primary focus in Saudi Arabia remains firmly on the oche. The Saudi Arabia Masters presents a significant opportunity for the young star.
Reclaiming Dominance and Chasing a Big Prize
Littler arrives in Riyadh keen to bounce back. His impressive three-month unbroken streak of big-stage success was recently brought to an end by Gerwyn Price in Bahrain. This defeat will undoubtedly be a strong motivator for him.
The tournament also offers a substantial incentive: the chance to win a staggering £150,000 if he lands a Golden Bullseye. This unique bonus adds an extra layer of excitement and pressure to an already high-stakes event.
Littler’s performance in Saudi Arabia will not only be about trophies but also about reaffirming his status as one of darts’ most formidable talents and, perhaps, making a dream encounter a reality.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
