Soccer Star Cristiano Ronaldo Gives Millions to Nepal Earthquake Relief
Soccer Star Cristiano Ronaldo Gives Millions to Nepal Earthquake Relief
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Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid looks on prior to the start the La Liga match between Athletic Club Bilbao and Real Madrid at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, on March 7, 2015Juan Manuel Serrano Arce—Getty Images
Cristiano Ronaldo is an expert at striking fear into the hearts of defenders, but off the soccer pitch he’s proved time and again that he’s one of the nicest guys in sports. And the superstar did so yet again recently, donating nearly $8 million to help global charity Save the Children carry out its earthquake-relief efforts in Nepal.
French magazine So Foot reported that Ronaldo donated €7 million (or $7.8 million) to the charity, because he wears No. 7 for his club Real Madrid and country Portugal. He also urged his 102 million Facebook followers to donate as well, according to Sports Illustrated.
Ronaldo is known for his philanthropic endeavors, having donated millions to children in Gaza as well as tsunami-relief efforts in Indonesia. He has also paid individual children’s medical bills on multiple occasions.
Update: Save the Children says the report that Ronaldo gave it a large donation is false. TIME has reached out to the soccer player’s agent for comment.
Bodies are prepared for cremation during a Hindu ritual at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu on April 28, 2015, three days after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake devastated Nepal, killing at least 7,000 people and causing untold damage.
James Nachtwey for TIMEDuring funeral rites in Kathmandu on April 28, 2015, women mourn for loved ones killed in the earthquake. James Nachtwey for TIMEA man performs a Hindu cremation ritual at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, April 28, 2015. James Nachtwey for TIMEA man sorts through the wreckage of destroyed homes in the ancient city of Bhaktapur, near Kathmandu, April 28, 2015. James Nachtwey for TIMEResidents search through the debris in Bhaktapur, April 28, 2015.
James Nachtwey for TIMEA body is found in the wreckage in Bhaktapur, April 29, 2015. James Nachtwey for TIMENepal's 7.8 magnitude earthquake has caused massive destruction of historical temples and palaces like this ancient and sacred site in Bhaktapur, April 29, 2015. James Nachtwey for TIMEDestroyed farming villages are seen from a helicopter during an Indian Army relief mission to Nepal’s remote Nuwakot District, April 30, 2015.James Nachtwey for TIMEAfter being airlifted from a remote village to Kathmandu, an injured woman is carried to receive care, April 30, 2015. James Nachtwey for TIMEVillagers sort through rubble in Sankhu, on the outskirts of Kathmandu, May 1, 2015.James Nachtwey for TIMEResidents look through wreckage in the town of Sankhu, which was largely destroyed in the earthquake, May 1, 2015. James Nachtwey for TIMEA shadow is reflected on the remains of a collapsed house in the largely destroyed village of Sankhu on the outskirts of Katmandu, May 1, 2015. James Nachtwey for TIME
See Satellite Images of Nepal Before and After the Earthquake
Dharahara Tower in Kathmandu on Oct. 25, 2014.Courtesy of DigitalGlobeDharahara Tower in Kathmandu on April 27, 2015.Courtesy of DigitalGlobeTundikhel, one of Kathmandu's most important landmarks, in the center of the city on Oct. 25, 2014.Courtesy of DigitalGlobeTundikhel on April 27, 2015.Courtesy of DigitalGlobeKathmandu on Oct. 25, 2014.Courtesy of DigitalGlobeKathmandu on April 27, 2015.Courtesy of DigitalGlobeThe Vatsala Durga temple in Bhaktapur on Oct. 25, 2014.Courtesy of DigitalGlobeThe Vatsala Durga temple in Bhaktapur on April 27, 2015.Courtesy of DigitalGlobe
