**Wrexham Player’s Father Has Awkward Corridor Encounter with Cristiano Ronaldo over Shirt Request**
The family of Wrexham’s midfield star Ollie Rathbone has a surprisingly cringeworthy tale involving none other than footballing icon Cristiano Ronaldo, highlighting the sometimes uneasy relationship between club staff and superstar athletes. The story unfolded during the elder Rathbone’s time at Everton, and offers a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes realities of Premier League life.
Mick Rathbone, who served as a physio at Everton for eight years throughout the 2000s, found himself in an uncomfortable situation after his son Ollie – then just a child and yet to embark on his professional playing career – begged for a very special birthday favour. Tasked by his football-obsessed son to acquire a signed Portugal shirt from the legendary Ronaldo, Mick soon learned that even medical staff sometimes find themselves starstruck and, occasionally, out of their comfort zone.
In his memoir, “The Smell of Football,” Mick recounted the episode. He revealed his mixed feelings about approaching a global superstar with such a request, knowing full well that within professional football circles it was considered “uncool” for staff to ask for autographs. Nevertheless, the love for his son outweighed etiquette, and he made the bold move.
Detailing the incident, Rathbone said he waited anxiously in the post-match bustle for the chance to approach the then Manchester United forward. Struggling with nerves but determined to deliver for his son, he intercepted Ronaldo in a hallway: “Excuse me, Cristiano, could you please sign this for my son?” Ronaldo responded with minimal acknowledgement, hastily scribbling his signature. Things became even more awkward when Mick tried to request a personalised birthday message – only for Ronaldo to abruptly toss the shirt back at him, leaving the bemused physio to retrieve it from his head as the star walked away.
The incident was witnessed by Everton’s press staff, with the group reportedly dissolving into laughter at how the exchange played out. Mick later reflected that he likely would never ask for such a favour again, describing the situation as simultaneously hilarious and embarrassing.
Beyond this comical moment, Ollie Rathbone himself has carved an impressive footballing path. The 28-year-old’s early experiences in Manchester United’s academy saw him share pitches with now-household names such as Marcus Rashford. Yet with first team opportunities limited, Ollie sought his career elsewhere, eventually playing for Rochdale and Rotherham before securing a £500,000 move to Wrexham last summer.
Ollie’s arrival at Wrexham has been met with resounding success. Making 41 appearances and scoring eight goals in his debut season, he was instrumental in helping the club owned by Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney to secure promotion from League One. His performances quickly earned him the honour of being named Wrexham’s player of the season, coinciding with the side’s historic elevation to the Championship for the first time in more than four decades.
Mick Rathbone, now a proud fixture at the Racecourse Ground, has voiced his delight at his son’s progress. He told local media: “We love the atmosphere at home games and Ollie’s enjoyed it at Wrexham; he says it’s a fantastic club.” Reflecting on Ollie’s determined playing style, Mick added that fans always appreciate players who put in consistent effort and share a connection with their supporters.
Wrexham’s meteoric rise has captured the imaginations of football fans around the world, further fuelled by the popularity of the Disney+ documentary “Welcome to Wrexham.” The club’s ongoing revival and growing global appeal underline a remarkable story of ambition, resilience, and community spirit.
Despite the awkward brush with footballing royalty years ago, the Rathbone family’s experience serves as a reminder that off-pitch moments can sometimes be every bit as memorable as those on it. Such stories connect the human side of the sport to its passionate followers, bridging the gap between the players, their families, and the millions who watch them every week.