SINGAPORE – The quiet, unassuming lobby of Thomson Medical Centre turned into a hive of activity early on Friday morning (July 21), although those who turned up were not there to see a doctor. 

Rather, they were patiently waiting to catch a glimpse of football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who flew into Singapore on the same day. 

Around 50 fans squeezed into the narrow lobby corridor leading to the main entrance, many holding on to Real Madrid jerseys as they prepared to welcome one of the world’s most iconic players.

News had emerged on Thursday of Ronaldo’s impending arrival and the 32-year-old was slated to visit Kim Lim, the 24-year-old daughter of Singaporean billionaire Peter Lim who had given birth to a baby boy three days ago, at the medical centre.

The Portuguese attacker was whisked directly to Thomson upon his private jet landing at Changi Airport, although his flight was delayed by around one and a half hours. 

The fans went into a frenzy when Ronaldo emerged from a van adorned with Mint Media logos and a giant image of himself at around 10.05am, with a group of security guards having cleared a path for him to walk through.

The crowd naturally gravitated towards Ronaldo as he ascended a flight of stairs, with a man even tripping in his haste to get close to the four-time Ballon d’Or winner.

The world’s highest-paid athlete swiftly proceeded to walk into a waiting elevator to visit Ms Lim, before proving he is as skilful off the pitch as he is on it when he gave the waiting horde and media the slip by making his getaway from another exit after about 15 minutes.

It is understood that Ronaldo was feeling fatigued from the flight from Spain and as such, did not stop to sign autographs nor speak to the media.

But his fans, like 16-year-old Jonathan – who had been waiting since 8.30am – did not seem to care.

“It’s really one of those once-in-a-lifetime situations as he hardly comes to Singapore,” said the Real Madrid supporter of four years. “I feel very blessed as I also touched him, on the shoulder.”

Ronaldo will sign an endorsement deal brokered by Mint Media later today, though details of the deal were not made known. Mint Media is a Hong Kong-based company owned by Mr. Lim that owns and manages the image rights of Ronaldo, except for those relating to his club, Real. The rights were acquired in 2015 for a six-year period.

He will then have dinner with Mr. Lim, a close personal friend, before jetting off tonight to attend Mint Media events in Beijing and Shanghai.

Ronaldo’s last visit here was in 2013, during which he delighted Crest Secondary School students with a surprise appearance as the ambassador of the Singapore Olympic Foundation – Peter Lim Scholarship.