The rising star’s homemade “Ronaldo 7” shirt has become a powerful reminder of how dreams can begin with almost nothing
A childhood image of Yan Diomande sporting a homemade “Ronaldo 7” jersey has recently gone viral on social media, capturing the hearts of football fans worldwide. The photograph resurfaced following an emotional letter Diomande penned to his late sister, shedding light on the hardships he endured growing up and the dream that fueled his determination.
In the striking photo, Diomande is seen wearing a counterfeit Manchester United jersey, with the name “Ronaldo” and the number 7 handwritten on the back using a black marker. This simple yet powerful gesture was born out of necessity, as the young Ivorian could not afford an official Cristiano Ronaldo shirt. Instead, he crafted his own version, symbolizing his admiration and aspiration.
The touching story behind the viral photo
Within the heartfelt letter addressed to his late sister, Roxane, Diomande recalled the moment that led to the creation of the now-iconic image. He poignantly asked,
“Do you remember when someone bought me a fake United shirt and I wrote ‘Ronaldo 7’ on the back with a black marker?”