A fan really wanted the autograph of Cristiano Ronaldo after the Ballon d’Or gala in Zurich Monday night, charging toward the superstar as he was about to enter his limousine.
It’s totally understandable to want an autograph (although honestly, selfies/pictures are the way to go) from your favorite athlete, but this is absolutely the wrong way to go about it. As crazy as this seems, you should always remember that your favorite athletes are human too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rGYqcSXzp8
First and foremost, you should never charge any human being. Just like animals in the wild, charging at somebody is an immediate threat, and when you’re a superstar athlete like Ronaldo, you’re only going to get nailed by their security detail. That will likely hurt you, physically more than mentally.
If you happen to be lucky enough to be in the vicinity of your favorite athlete, or somebody you would like to get an autograph or a picture with, here are some guidelines:
First, you want to act normal. That’s such a bland statement, but it really is true.
Nobody likes the idea that somebody is looking at them, or getting anxious around them; it will make that person uncomfortable every single time. Nobody likes being around somebody that they think is crazy and could do something to them (like the fan above). You don’t want to do that, as they are more likely to turn down whatever request you may have. And you really want that autograph or selfie.
Depending on the setting, small conversation wouldn’t be terrible. But it has to absolutely be appropriate. It’s never good to bother anybody who is eating a meal, celebrity or not. In every circumstance, use your best instincts to have the best manners possible. You’re likely not the first person they’ve had to answer to this week, and you don’t know who may have ruined it for you before you got to that individual. And please, don’t try to catch somebody coming out of a bathroom.
If you get rejected for your request, that’s OK, because they don’t owe you anything. Tell whoever it is you have approached, wish them continued success and to keep up the great work. In some cases, that will change the person’s mind, and you will end up getting that autograph or picture.
As long as you are treating that person with manners, respecting their space, and staying calm, cool, and collected, your odds are so much higher.
Just please don’t be that Ronaldo fan.
