Dias took time out to meet unsuspecting nine-year-old Romeo, who was admitted to hospital after having a stroke, requiring significant time in intensive care.
Although reliant on his wheelchair, Romeo has gone from strength to strength, with his speech improving daily.
A huge City and Portugal fan, City in the Community arranged the surprise to help celebrate Romeo’s recent discharge from hospital.
Dias, Romeo and his family were able to share stories, discuss all things Christmas and create lasting memories. The defender also invited Romeo and his family to enjoy an upcoming Manchester City fixture from a hospitality box.
Dias, who was pleased to meet Romeo after sending him a ‘happy birthday’ video message whilst in hospital earlier this year, said:
“Meeting Romeo and his family was very special. I could tell from his reaction that he had no idea I was hiding in the studio – the smile on his face was priceless.
“After hearing Romeo’s story and knowing he was a huge Manchester City and Portugal fan, I really wanted him to know we were all thinking of him. I was delighted to be able to meet him as soon as he was discharged from hospital.
“We are all sending him our best wishes as he continues his recovery.”
Romeo added: “It was very good meeting Ruben Dias - he is my favourite player! And it is very important to me that I have some time out of hospital with my family.”
The visit was arranged as part of Manchester City’s ‘Christmas Together’ campaign, which is raising funds for City in the Community’s year-round programme within the Ronald McDonald House and Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.
The programme, named ‘City Onside’, also supports patients who have been discharged, like Romeo, with community transition mentoring support.
The Club has been donating £5 to City in the Community from the sale of a range of festive items, including Christmas jumpers and teddies. Additional donations to the charity, are also being matched by the Club*.
Fans can support the campaign through the City in the Community Prize Draw. Starting at just £5 per ticket, all proceeds will go to CITC with Manchester City matching every donation made*.
Supporters can enter the draw as a one-off or via a monthly direct debit to automatically enter each month’s draw. To find out more, visit: www.mancity.com/citcprizedraw.
Profits raised will enable City in the Community to expand its reach in the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital to 250 patients and their families throughout the 2025/26 season, with support focusing on physical and mental wellbeing.
For more information on the campaign, visit www.mancity.com/ChristmasTogether.
*MCFC will donate £5 for each product** sold and will match donations made to Manchester City F.C. City in the Community Foundation (registered charity no. 1139229) during the period of 04 November 2025 to 31 December 2025 up to a maximum of £75,000 in total. The first £150,000 raised will support City in the Community’s ‘City Onside’ programme, with any additional fundraising helping to sustain the charity’s broader purpose of empowering healthier lives with city youth through football.
** Adult Christmas Jumper (Novelty and Fair Isle), Kids Christmas Jumper, Wolf Push, Elf Plush, Teddy Plush.
