I decided I absolutely had to see Cristiano Ronaldo at a signing event this year. Had to plan it out step by step though.
How I started tracking events
First I followed his team’s official social media accounts daily. Set notifications on for all posts. Kept checking fan forums too. Took me weeks of refreshing before that big announcement dropped – Manchester signing session!
Preparation madness
Called in vacation days immediately at work. Booked flights same hour. Here’s what else I did:
- Tested markers by signing my sister’s football – found out metallic silver shows best
- Practiced quick photography with one hand while holding item with other
- Packed energy bars and extra power banks (so crucial)
On location scramble
Got to Manchester 2 days early just to scope locations. Hotel concierge lied about entry points – trust me they never know details. Walked around the venue perimeter for hours checking:
- Security routes near delivery bays
- Elevated spots across the street
- Where staff entered with gear
Final push tactics
Arrived 5am day-of. Crowd already forming! Made friends with security guards by bringing coffee. Key moves:
Positioned myself near secondary exit when they changed CR7’s route – total luck move. Got shoved around when bodyguards cleared path but held my jersey at arms length.
CR7 signed it quick! Blurry photo but amazing moment. Would change this next time:
- Wear shoes for sprinting not comfort
- Bring brighter marker they’ll grab
- Focus fully on autograph not selfie
Saw people crying after missing him by seconds. Pure chaos but worth every bruise!