Darren Watkins Jr., famously known as IShowSpeed, has taken the internet by storm yet again – but this time, it’s not just for his iconic “Siuuu” chants or viral YouTube moments. The 20-year-old YouTube sensation recently celebrated his birthday on January 22, and what unfolded left him and his fans utterly speechless.
Speed, who is widely recognized as one of the most popular YouTube streamers in the world, has built his massive success on his infectious energy, wild antics, and genuine love for football. Over the years, his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably one of the greatest football players of all time, has become a major part of his identity. From recreating Ronaldo’s celebrations to proudly hailing him as his idol, Speed’s love for CR7 is no secret.
So, when the man himself – Cristiano Ronaldo – took the time to wish Speed a happy birthday, it wasn’t just a simple gesture; it was a monumental moment that shook the internet.
A Milestone Birthday and a Viral Instagram Post
“Happy Birthday to me, I’m 20 now,” Speed captioned his Instagram post, celebrating his milestone birthday. The post quickly gained traction, with fans and followers pouring in their wishes for the young star. Comments ranged from heartfelt messages to playful jabs and, of course, the signature “Siuuuu” that Speed has made famous worldwide.
In just a matter of hours, the post garnered over 6.2 million likes, an impressive figure even by the high standards Speed has set for himself. Fans from all corners of the globe joined in the celebration, flooding the comment section with love and admiration.
But it was one comment that truly stole the show – a message from Cristiano Ronaldo himself.
Ronaldo’s Comment Takes the Internet by Storm
Buried amidst the avalanche of birthday wishes was a simple yet incredibly meaningful comment from none other than Cristiano Ronaldo. “Happy Birthday, Speed! Hope your day was great. Stay wild and fast!” Ronaldo wrote.
It didn’t take long for the news to spread like wildfire. Fans who spotted the comment immediately began sharing screenshots, while others rushed to Speed’s Instagram post to see it for themselves. The comment was pinned on the post for those using Instagram’s app, making it easier to spot, but fans on desktop faced a tougher challenge in locating the legendary footballer’s shoutout.
“Who came to see Ronaldo’s comment?” one user asked in the comment section, echoing the thoughts of thousands.
Another chimed in, saying, “F**king hell, I literally came for Ronaldo’s comment.”
“Who came after CR7’s comment?” asked a third, reflecting the viral nature of the moment.
Ronaldo’s birthday message to Speed wasn’t just a small interaction; it became the highlight of the day for fans worldwide.
Speed’s Reaction: Tears of Joy in the Middle of an Airport
While the world buzzed with excitement over Ronaldo’s comment, no one was more overwhelmed than Speed himself. The YouTube star was traveling when he first saw the message, and his reaction was nothing short of emotional.
“The best birthday gift that I could ever receive,” Speed later shared with his followers. “The man himself, Cristiano Ronaldo, told me Happy Birthday. I literally screamed and did a backflip in the middle of the airport.”
For someone who has idolized Ronaldo for years, this was a dream come true. Speed’s admiration for the football legend runs deep, and this unexpected interaction struck a chord that few other moments could.
“I literally cried right there in that airport, y’all,” Speed added, his voice filled with raw emotion. It was a testament to how much the gesture meant to him and how impactful Ronaldo’s words were.
A Longstanding Dream
This isn’t the first time Speed has expressed his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo. In fact, collaborating with Ronaldo has been one of Speed’s biggest goals on YouTube. He’s often talked about his desire to meet the football star and create content together, something that seems closer than ever now that Ronaldo has acknowledged him publicly.
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but Speed’s dedication to his craft and his love for football have propelled him to incredible heights. Back in September 2024, Speed made headlines when his trip to Indonesia led to him becoming the most-watched English-speaking streamer ever, with over one million live viewers tuning in to his broadcast.
This level of success has cemented Speed as a cultural phenomenon, and moments like Ronaldo’s birthday wish only amplify his influence.
Fans Rally Around Speed
The internet’s reaction to Ronaldo’s comment was nothing short of electric. Fans flooded Speed’s Instagram post with their excitement, celebrating the surreal interaction as if it were their own.
“Bro, Speed really won at life,” one fan wrote, summing up the sentiments of many.
Another said, “This man’s love for Ronaldo is so pure, and now CR7 has acknowledged him. I’m so happy for him!”
The moment also sparked a wave of memes, with fans joking about Speed’s inevitable reaction and his over-the-top celebrations. It was a lighthearted and wholesome moment that brought fans together in a way that only Speed can.
The Power of Social Media
This interaction between Speed and Ronaldo highlights the unique power of social media in today’s world. For decades, fans have looked up to their idols from afar, often dreaming of a chance to interact with them. But platforms like Instagram have bridged that gap, creating opportunities for once-unimaginable connections.
Speed’s journey from a passionate fan to a global star and, now, someone acknowledged by his idol, is a story of how the digital age has reshaped the relationship between celebrities and their admirers.
What’s Next for IShowSpeed?
With his 20th birthday marking such a significant milestone, it’s clear that Speed has no plans of slowing down. His subscriber count continues to climb, and his content remains as engaging as ever.
But the big question on everyone’s mind is: Will Speed and Ronaldo finally collaborate?
Given the buzz surrounding Ronaldo’s birthday comment, fans are hopeful that this is just the beginning of something bigger. A video featuring the two would undoubtedly break the internet, and it’s a prospect that Speed himself has been pushing for.
For now, though, Speed is basking in the joy of Ronaldo’s birthday wish – a moment that he’ll likely treasure forever.
A Birthday to Remember
In a world where social media interactions often feel fleeting and impersonal, Ronaldo’s comment to Speed stood out as a genuine and heartfelt gesture. It wasn’t just a birthday wish; it was a validation of Speed’s journey, his passion, and his relentless energy.
As Speed continues to dominate YouTube and captivate audiences worldwide, this moment serves as a reminder of how far he’s come and how much further he can go. For now, though, one thing is certain: Speed’s 20th birthday will go down as one of the most memorable days of his life.
And for fans who have followed his journey, it’s a heartwarming chapter in the story of a young star who dared to dream big – and saw those dreams come true.