During the same game, Ronaldo prepared to take a free kick, facing criticism for his declining success rate. As he puffed out his chest, Ronaldo was caught saying to himself in Portuguese: “I am the best” – before the ball sailed wide of the target, without even requiring the opposing goalkeeper to jump.
Despite the criticism, Ronaldo defended his attitude: “I have always believed in the power of self-confidence. People can interpret this in different ways, but for me, it is a way to focus and motivate myself. Not all the demands are perfect, but I am here to keep trying and improving.”
The scene resulted in a barrage of criticism from fans for the veteran striker, who opted to move to Saudi Arabia in 2022 after leaving Manchester United and failing to secure a place at another European club.
One fan commented: “When your time in the sport is over, even the things that used to be in your favour stop being there. That’s when you know you have to stop.” Another added: “Who’s the bigger fool? Ronaldo who thinks he’s great at free kicks or the coach who picks Ronaldo to take the free kicks?”
Ronaldo’s struggles from free kicks are highlighted by his conversion rate for Portugal, having scored just once in 60 attempts, with the only success coming against Spain at the 2018 World Cup.
