Cristiano Ronaldo faces scrutiny after late free-kick blunder in King’s Cup defeat
Cristiano Ronaldo found himself once again the centre of global attention after a late free-kick attempt failed to hit the target, contributing to Al-Nassr’s defeat to Al-Ittihad in the King’s Cup, reports BritPanorama.
The 40-year-old Portuguese forward was seen on camera giving himself a pep talk just before the kick, muttering to himself in the 96th minute, reportedly attempting to muster his renowned confidence. However, his effort struck the defensive wall instead, sparking waves of reactions across social media.
Earlier in the match, Al-Nassr struggled to convert dominance into goals, allowing Al-Ittihad to take the lead through Karim Benzema, only for Angelo Gabriel to equalise shortly after. Houssem Aouar restored Al-Ittihad’s advantage just before half-time, leaving Al-Nassr chasing the game.
The situation worsened for Al-Ittihad in the second period when Ahmed Al Julaydan was sent off, reducing them to ten men. Despite having the numerical advantage, Al-Nassr could not capitalise, with Ronaldo coming closest to scoring but being thwarted by a saved chip attempt, visibly frustrated by the missed opportunities.
The failed free-kick encapsulated a frustrating night for both Ronaldo and Al-Nassr, whose pursuit of domestic trophies in Saudi Arabia remains elusive. Since Ronaldo’s high-profile transfer to Al-Nassr in December 2022, his sole major silverware has come from the Arab Champions Cup, a title that some perceive as lacking significance.
Discussion around Ronaldo’s performance has intensified, particularly surrounding whether age is impacting his previously lethal precision in set-piece situations. Nevertheless, he maintains a robust global following, with recent performances showcasing his capability, as evidenced in a commanding 5-1 victory against Al-Fateh just a week prior.
Even as discussions swirl regarding his current form, moments of connection off the pitch emphasise his ongoing relevance. Following the match, Ronaldo was captured guiding YouTube star IShowSpeed in a celebratory chant, laughter filling the air as they engaged with fans. These instances illustrate that while challenges arise on the pitch, Ronaldo’s charisma remains undiminished.
As the forward continues his quest for a significant trophy in Saudi Arabia, such blunders can serve as a wake-up call in a career defined by resilience and greatness. In the world of football, where each moment can redefine a legacy, Ronaldo’s journey through triumph and trial remains compellingly human.
