Football

Hashtag Penaldo trends as Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace sparks Twitter taunts

In the fiery cauldron of the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium, Cristiano Ronaldo emerged victorious yet again, netting a brace for Al Nassr against rivals Al-Ittihad. While the goals secured valuable points in the Saudi Pro League title race, the internet erupted in a whirlwind of mockery, with fans on X  gleefully dissecting the nature of his double – both strikes coming from the penalty spot. Ronaldo’s first penalty arrived early, calmly dispatched down the middle after Otavio was fouled in the box. The second, in the 68th minute, was awarded after Fabinho’s accidental contact with Otavio, reducing the Brazilian defender to red. These goals, while crucial to the outcome, ignited a Twitter inferno of sardonic memes and biting commentary.

The hashtag #Penaldo quickly trended a cruel play on Ronaldo‘s name highlighting the dependence on penalties for his recent tallies. “Golden Boot by Golden Whistle,” quipped one user, echoing the sentiment of many who felt Al-Nassr was bending the rules to inflate Ronaldo’s goalscoring numbers. Others posted photoshopped images of referees tucked in Al Nassr’s pockets, insinuating officiating bias.

Amidst the jeers, Ronaldo’s supporters rallied to his defence. They emphasized the clinical nature of his penalty-taking, his composure under pressure, and his overall contribution to the team’s dominance. They pointed out that Al-Ittihad also conceded a penalty, albeit un-converted by Benzema, and that Ronaldo’s goals, regardless of their provenance, were crucial to the win.

The bigger truth

The debate, however, transcended mere penalty statistics. It delved into the deeper questions of legacy and expectations surrounding Ronaldo. At 38, nearing the twilight of his career, his move to the less competitive Saudi league was already seen by some as a step-down, a chase for financial rewards over sporting glory. The dependence on penalties, for some, confirmed these suspicions, painting a picture of a fading star clinging to relevance. Even the most ardent supporter would acknowledge that his reliance on penalties is a growing trend, a change from the free-flowing goalscoring machine he once was.

But Ronaldo has never been one to shy away from scrutiny. He has always thrived on challenges, on proving doubters wrong. His dedication to fitness and unwavering belief in his abilities are legendary. While the penalty-heavy brace might spark temporary mockery, it’s unlikely to dent his resolve or dampen his ambition.