Year 2023
In 2023, Madeira Friends came together once again to celebrate the island’s most iconic figure — Cristiano Ronaldo — on his 38th birthday. Following the success of their previous tribute, they raised the bar with a brand-new, cinematic video experience titled “THE MADEIRA BUCKET LIST.”
Filmed across stunning locations throughout the island, the video featured a mix of locals and international remote workers, capturing the vibrant and diverse spirit of Madeira. More than just a birthday greeting, it was a celebration of the island itself — its landscapes, adventures, and global community.
“THE MADEIRA BUCKET LIST” told the story of seven friends visiting Madeira with a list of must-do experiences. But as the story unfolded, something unexpected happened — inviting viewers to watch the full video to discover the twist. Released later that day, the film combined breathtaking scenery with high-quality special effects, blending action, storytelling, and island culture in a dynamic tribute.
Highlights included iconic locations such as Pico do Arieiro, the CR7 Museum, Cristiano Ronaldo Airport, Funchal harbor, Seixal beach, the São Vicente waterfall, and Funchal Ecopark trails. The group tackled adventurous experiences like canyoning, trail running, jet skiing, and stand-up paddleboarding, showcasing Madeira as the ultimate playground for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
The video was directed by Michel Freitas, a German filmmaker raised on the island and widely recognized as a local creative force. Often dubbed the “CR7 of filmmaking,” Michel has been creating videos since age 10 and won Best Short Film at the VI Madeira Fantastic FilmFest 2022 with his piece AETERNUS.
While it remains unknown whether Cristiano Ronaldo himself watched the video, the tribute quickly gained momentum. The trailer reached 6,000 views in under 24 hours, and the full video amassed over 17,000 views — not just as a birthday message, but as a powerful promotion of Madeira’s beauty, community, and lifestyle.