Ghanaian Photographer Praised for Cristiano Ronaldo Close-up During AFC Champions League QF

• A Ghanaian photojournalist enjoyed a heartwarming moment with Cristiano Ronaldo in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
• The photographer perfectly snapped CR7 during his side's triumph in the AFC Champions League quarter-final
• Fans have since taken to social media to shower praise on the Ghanaian for his full-circle encounter at the game

A Ghanaian photojournalist has been applauded for the impressive close-up image he captured of Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo during the AFC Champions League quarter-finals.

From covering matches on 'potato' pitches in the Ghana Premier League to now gracing international arenas, Samuel’s journey has embodied relentless growth and pure ambition.

His latest assignment took him to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he documented Al-Nassr’s clash with Japan’s Yokohama F Marinos at the Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium.

On a night when the Saudi Pro League giants' attack overwhelmed their opponents, Samuel was stationed pitchside, lenses primed and ready to begin documenting the action.

The Knights of Najd went on to book their place in the semi-final after a commanding 4-1 triumph, as reported by ESPN.

Jhon Duran struck twice, alongside finishes from Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane, as Al-Nassr dominated the game.

Beyond the clinical execution from Stefano Pioli’s men on the Asian stage, Samuel also found his moment of magic.

Ghanaian photojournalist's moment with Ronaldo

After Ronaldo hammered home a sweet volley to effectively seal the contest, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner opted for an understated celebration and a relaxed smile.

Seizing the opportunity, @BigMuello snapped an up-close image of the Portuguese star perched on the advertising boards, freezing a moment that resonated globally.

Ghanaians react to photograph of Cristiano Ronaldo

Wasting no time, Samuel shared his prized shot on social media, with the reaction swift and euphoric.

Ghanaian fans, in particular, flooded his comments section with praise and applauded his pic.

@FelixRomark remarked:

"Allah Bossu. You do all."

@callme_Rashad stateD:

"Ur shots de3…CLEAN AND SMART."

@kojodarkoo added:

"You spoil there."

@genericuser500 acknowledged:

"Top top guy 🙌"

@Pablo_Mijay summed it up:

"Roro baby 😍🔥 make I add am to my wallpapers. @bigmuello, you do all 👏🏽👏🏽"

YEN.com.gh also caught up with a top-tier photographer from Godspeed Photography, who shared his excitement about capturing such a memorable moment.

"I’ve been following Muello’s journey for a while now, and I’m genuinely thrilled to see how far he’s come.

"Capturing Cristiano Ronaldo in such an iconic moment is truly special - a memory to cherish. I’m certain he’s still reliving that incredible experience even 24 hours later," he said.

What's ahead for Al-Nassr in the Champions League?

With the quarter-final hurdle cleared, Al-Nassr will prepare for a semi-final duel against another Japanese outfit, Kawasaki Frontale, on Wednesday, April 30, per the AFC website.

If they progress, Ronaldo's team will meet Al-Hilal or Al-Ahli in the grand final. Their semi-final will take place on Tuesday, April 29. Jeddah will host each of these games.

According to Reuters, the road to the title concludes on May 3, when Asia’s premier club competition crowns a new champion.

Essien shares throwback photo with Ronaldo

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Michael Essien stirred up nostalgia by posting a throwback Cristiano Ronaldo photo from their Real Madrid days.

The Instagram post quickly went viral, bringing back fond memories of the season when both stars played under veteran manager, José Mourinho.

Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh