- While Ronaldo’s YouTube numbers soar, his impact on the pitch is steadily declining
- Despite 66 goals in 72 appearances for Al-Nassr, Ronaldo’s presence has not helped the team win any trophies
- Ronaldo scores but Al-Nassr lost 4-1 to Al-Hilal
Cristiano Ronaldo has built a career on unforgettable moments, but in recent times he has shown that his ability to create magic on the pitch is fading. His latest tantrum during Al-Nassr’s Saudi Super Cup final defeat against Al-Hilal on Saturday, August 17, is a clear sign that the 39-year-old superstar is struggling to accept his diminished role in the football world.
Revered as one of the sport’s greatest, Ronaldo now appears more focused on protecting his ego than contributing to his team's success.
Ronaldo's outburst during the final was both childish and embarrassing. After giving Al-Nassr the lead with a well-taken goal, his team collapsed in the second half, suffering a 4-1 defeat. Former Barcelona winger Malcom sealed the win for Al-Hilal, capitalising on a mistake by Al-Nassr goalkeeper Bento, which sent Ronaldo into a frenzy. He accused his teammates of "sleeping" and made a lewd gesture implying they had "sh*t themselves."
This display of frustration from the world's highest-paid footballer was a pathetic sight, especially when Al-Nassr needed their captain's composure and leadership.
Ronaldo’s behaviour was not just disappointing; it was a stark reminder that his priorities have shifted. Despite his 66 goals in 72 appearances for Al-Nassr, Ronaldo's presence has not made the team better.
Al-Nassr has yet to win a trophy since his arrival, with rivals Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal dominating the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo's obsession with his success seems to have overshadowed his role as a team player.
Ronaldo's recent YouTube milestone, where his channel gained over 1.2 million subscribers in just an hour, is a clear testament to his enduring off-field appeal.
However, while his brand remains strong, it's evident that his wins in marketing cannot compensate for his diminishing impact on the pitch.
Instead of clinging to a fading football career, it would be wise for him to embrace his strengths off the field, recognizing that his legacy as a player is better preserved by shifting his attention away from the game and toward the business opportunities that still await him.
Even his former teammate Rio Ferdinand acknowledged Ronaldo’s reluctance to hang up his boots, revealing, “He ain’t going nowhere…minimum three years I think he plays for again.”
Yet, as the gulf in quality between Al-Nassr and their rivals grows, it’s becoming increasingly obvious that Ronaldo’s presence is more of a hindrance than a help.
Perhaps the most fitting tribute to his career would be for him to retire with dignity, allowing fans to remember him as the brilliant player he once was, rather than the frustrated figure he has become.
Ronaldo’s new YouTube channel gains millions of followers in hours, sets unprecedented record
Previously, TheRadar reported that football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has once again proven his immense global popularity with the launch of his official YouTube channel. Within hours of its debut, the channel attracted millions of followers. Ronaldo, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, took to his social media platforms to announce the launch of the channel, inviting fans from around the world to join him on this new digital journey.
