Cristiano Ronaldo has come under scrutiny again in Saudi Arabia. As the breakup with partner Georgina Rodriguez looms large, Ronaldo is facing on-field issues as well.
After Al-Nassr was ousted from another cup competition after signing him, the Portuguese soccer star has to bear the brunt of the disappointment. Since joining ‘Al Alami’ late last year, Ronaldo has seen his team crash out of two cup competitions and lose the top spot in the league.
Ronaldo faced bad blood with Manchester United and went out on a rant against the club in an interview with Piers Morgan. This led to the termination of his contract in November 2022. He was still at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar and decided to wait till the end of the tournament before making his decision.
Fans were speculating about which European club Ronaldo will choose but he surprised everyone. Ronaldo turned out to choose Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. It was announced during the last few days of 2022 that Ronaldo has accepted a bumper contract offer worth over $200 million a year. His presentation in January 2023 was a hit. However, his performances have not been.
🚨 Cristiano Ronaldo with Al-Nassr so far:
❌ Lost Riyadh Super Cup
❌ Lost Saudi Super Cup
❌ Lost 1st in the Saudi League
❌ Lost Saudi King CupWorst signing of all time. pic.twitter.com/iJ5OwGRoEI
— Al Nassr ➐ (@Al_Nassrt) April 24, 2023
Since joining the club and becoming the captain, Ronaldo has faced a tough time. He has seen the club crash out of two cup competitions, the latest being the Kings Cup. When he arrived, Al-Nassr led the league table, however, they are now in second spot, three points behind the leader. Al-Nassr has even played an extra game.
According to reports, due to these dismal results, the Saudi Arabian sheik is contemplating kicking out Ronaldo in the summer. The Kings Cup semifinal humiliation was the final nail in the coffin.
Cristiano Ronaldo could not help Al-Nassr beat 10-man Al-Wehda
Al-Nassr went into the semifinal against Al-Wehda as the favorite. However, they faced calamity just 23 minutes in as Jean-David Beaguel scored a spectacular overhead kick. He gave Al-Wehda the all-important lead. Ronaldo, on the other hand, could not do the same for his team.
Al-Wehda goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi was in top form as he denied Ronaldo from point-blank range in the first half. The Portuguese star was seen fuming at his bench at the end of the first half.
However, Al-Nassr was given a big lifeline early in the second half. Al-Wehda went down to 10 men after Abdullah Al-Hafith received his second yellow card in the 53rd minute. Somehow, Ronaldo and Al-Nassr could not capitalize on this. Al-Wehda held on for around 40 minutes to reach the final.
Al Nassr have been eliminated from the King’s Cup by Al Wehda 🤯
This is Al Nassr’s second cup elimination of the season ❌ pic.twitter.com/niCiu8jNio
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 24, 2023
Ronaldo is also facing controversy because of an obscene gesture he made toward Al-Hilal fans a week ago. He faced arrest and deportation. However, that matter looks like it has been resolved. On the other hand, this does not ease Ronaldo’s stay in Saudi Arabia. Al-Nassr expected trophies with Ronaldo coming into the club. Going trophyless this season could call for Ronaldo to be axed.