Ronaldo's Stunning Bicycle Kick Gets Lost in Controversy as Star Unleashes Barrage of Taunts
Al Nassr ended their three-match losing run thanks to a spectacular bicycle kick from Kingsley Coman, though the evening was once again dominated by, predictably, Cristiano Ronaldo.
The aging Portuguese star is showing signs of wear as he nears his 41st birthday. Following a disappointing start to the calendar year that marks his poorest beginning to any season in his professional career, Ronaldo managed to create drama during Saturday's 3–2 win over Al Shabab, engaging in multiple confrontations with opposing keeper Marcelo Grohe.
Despite not making contact with João Félix's deflected delivery, Ronaldo still took credit for Saad Balobaid's own goal that gave his team the early advantage this weekend. Coman extended the home team's lead with a clever overhead strike in the eighth minute, putting Al Nassr in position for what seemed like a comfortable victory against opponents sitting just two points clear of the drop zone.
Nevertheless, with Ronaldo largely invisible throughout the match—his initial attempt from regular play wouldn't arrive until the final stages in the 82nd minute—Al Shabab mounted a comeback. Mohamed Simakan's first-half own goal reduced the gap before the away team's Brazilian forward Carlos leveled the score at 2–2 in the 53rd minute.
Vincent Sierro received his second booking for an obvious foul on Coman, creating tension for the final portion of the game. Abdulrahman Ghareeb ultimately netted the decisive goal for the home side with a deflected strike in the 76th minute, but the subsequent events drew significant attention.
Ronaldo's Inappropriate Conduct Against Al Shabab
Ronaldo's Inappropriate Conduct Against Al Shabab
Positioning himself for a potential rebound, Ronaldo was positioned directly beside Al Shabab's Grohe when Ghareeb's shot found the far corner. While jogging past the fallen goalkeeper, Ronaldo chose to push his bald head toward the ground.
The viral social media clip of the moment then displays Ronaldo embracing Grohe, though it omits the prolonged gesturing that occurred before their subdued reconciliation.
As Ronaldo jogged toward the sideline, Grohe approached the official, requesting a VAR review. Al Nassr's captain made little effort to hide his contempt for this appeal, continuously gesturing at the goalkeeper while laughing mockingly. The 40-year-old then began mimicking tears, pretending to wipe his eyes like a living emoticon.
Play remained halted when Ronaldo shifted his approach. The former Real Madrid star offered a thumbs-up and clasped Grohe's gloved hand. The keeper continued voicing his complaints to his Portuguese-speaking counterpart before Ronaldo finally concluded this embarrassing episode with an insincere embrace.
Ronaldo's Previous Encounters With Grohe
Ronaldo's Previous Encounters With Grohe
Ronaldo's initial encounter with Grohe proved fruitful for the Portuguese striker. While guarding the net for Gremio, the South American keeper was stunned by a powerful free kick from Ronaldo in the 2017 Club World Cup final that Real Madrid ultimately claimed.
Grohe would taste victory when the duo met again in Saudi Arabia five years afterward, preventing Ronaldo from scoring in a 3–1 victory for Al Ittihad during the domestic Super Cup semifinal.
Two months following that match, Ronaldo would again fail to find the net in a 1–0 loss to Grohe and Al Ittihad in league play, causing the temperamental veteran to exit the field angrily and strike several water bottles.
Ronaldo eventually managed to score past Grohe again during his time at Al Kholood last season, but his emotional breakdown this weekend demonstrates how close he comes to inappropriate behavior when prevented from scoring.