Fan turns room into a tribute to his idol ahead of World Cup

The FIFA World Cup, featuring 48 national teams, is less than a week away from kick-off, and football fans are eager to showcase their loyalty to their favourite teams and players.

Step into the room of Muhammed Roshan, 24, a psychology graduate turned social media influencer from Thrikkunnapuzha village in Haripad, and one feels transported to a museum dedicated to Portugal, or more specifically to Portugal’s superstar striker and five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo, who at 41 is set to play his sixth and probably last World Cup. From the roof to the floor and from bedsheets to doormats, everything has been customised around the twin themes of Portugal and Ronaldo. There is even a floor mat modelled on a football pitch.

“I have been a Ronaldo fan all along, and that automatically made me a Portugal supporter,” said Mr. Roshan, who spent months and close to ₹1 lakh converting his bedroom into a tribute to his idol and team. Ronaldo wallpapers of various hues cover the walls, but the centrepiece is a collection of framed jerseys from the five clubs in five countries that Ronaldo has represented during his glittering career spanning more than two decades—Sporting CP (Portugal), Manchester United (England), Real Madrid (Spain), Juventus (Italy), and Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia).

“It wasn’t easy to find customised materials or places to get them made. Being active on Instagram and as a vlogger helped, as I gathered information from various sources, including those in other districts. The roof has been customised with the design of Portugal’s national flag,” Mr. Roshan said.

Initially, his family was concerned about the extreme lengths to which he went to showcase his fandom. But they now seem to have accepted it, or resigned themselves to it, as his room itself has become a spectacle, drawing visitors, including the media.

Having created the perfect atmosphere to celebrate the World Cup, Mr. Roshan now awaits the moment when his idol finally lifts the one trophy missing from his list of honours.