Ronaldo Drops Epic Three-Word Gauntlet Following Jaw-Dropping Bicycle Kick Masterpiece
Cristiano Ronaldo invited his massive fanbase to commemorate his spectacular bicycle kick goal for Al Nassr on Sunday evening through a social media contest: "Best caption wins!"
The 40-year-old Portuguese superstar turned back time with an aerial masterpiece in the 96th minute of Al Nassr's commanding 4–1 triumph over Al Khaleej, maintaining the team's flawless Saudi Pro League campaign with nine consecutive victories.
Following an early exit from the King's Cup in October that postponed Ronaldo's pursuit of silverware in Saudi Arabia, Al Nassr have mounted an impressive campaign to secure domestic championship honors this season.
However, despite his breathtaking moments, this hasn't been a standout season for the prolific striker. Similar to Sunday's gravity-defying leap into the heavens, the majority of Ronaldo's 10 league strikes this term haven't been decisive in tilting matches toward Al Nassr.
Indeed, on just two occasions this season has the team leader found the net while his side wasn't already ahead. The first instance saw Ronaldo push Al Nassr to a 2–1 advantage against Al Fateh before his colleagues added more goals in what became a comprehensive 5–1 triumph. The Portuguese star did slot home a crucial 104th-minute penalty to secure a 2–1 win over Al Fayha recently, though that penalty decision was highly questionable.
Ronaldo isn't even Al Nassr's leading marksman this campaign, with fellow Portuguese João Félix topping the charts with 11 league strikes.
History Repeating Itself for Ronaldo
Numerous responses to Ronaldo's social media challenge that weren't simply goat emojis inevitably referenced his remarkably similar goal against Juventus in April 2018. The then-Real Madrid star twisted his frame to connect with Dani Carvajal's misdirected delivery, spectacularly deceiving the iconic Gianluigi Buffon to net his second in a memorable 3–0 Champions League quarterfinal victory.
Ronaldo never hesitates to make bold proclamations about himself, but few would question the striker's evaluation of his own effort. "It was magnificent," he declared. "I soared incredibly high and it's a strike that will remain memorable for years.
"I've been attempting to execute it for some time, but it relies on the match situation. It suddenly occurred to me to attempt it, you must always take the chance. I attempted it today and it worked perfectly."
The response from the Juventus supporters, who stood collectively to acknowledge the moment of brilliance, demonstrated its exceptional quality. "It was among the most touching moments of the evening," Ronaldo later recalled. "To earn recognition from a venue like this, which has witnessed legendary players, is an extraordinary feeling."