Cristiano Ronaldo Misses Free-Kick After Self-Promotion

Cristiano Ronaldo has come under fire from fans after a recent free-kick attempt for Al-Nassr went awry, soaring over the bar without troubling the goalkeeper. The incident occurred during a match where Ronaldo was seen giving himself a motivational pep talk in Portuguese, declaring, "I'm the best," just moments before the miss. This self-encouragement has led to widespread mockery on social media, with many fans questioning his performance and decision-making. The criticism highlights the ongoing scrutiny Ronaldo faces since his move to Saudi Arabia in 2022, following a tumultuous exit from Manchester United. Despite being the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League last season, he could not lead Al-Nassr to the title, which was claimed by rivals Al-Hilal, who finished the season unbeaten. Fans have expressed their disappointment, suggesting that his self-praise is unwarranted given the team's struggles. Ronaldo has previously acknowledged the competitive nature of the Saudi league, albeit with a caveat that it does not compare to the Premier League. His comments reflect an awareness of the challenges he faces in a different footballing environment, yet the recent free-kick incident has reignited debates about his current form and effectiveness on the pitch. As Ronaldo continues to navigate his career in Saudi Arabia, the pressure to perform remains high, with fans eagerly watching his every move and holding him accountable for his on-field actions.