Cristiano Ronaldo faced a barrage of criticism for what seemed to be an inappropriate gesture following Al Nassr’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Al Shabab in a Saudi Pro League match on Sunday. While the Portuguese forward had initially opened the scoring with a penalty in the 21st minute, Al Nassr secured the win with a late brace from Brazilian Talisca, who scored twice in the final four minutes. After the match concluded, videos circulating on social media captured Ronaldo cupping his ear and repeatedly making a pumping motion near his pelvic area, a gesture that appeared to be directed at rival supporters from Al Shabab. In the background, chants of “Messi” could be heard, referencing Ronaldo’s long-term football rival from Argentina.
Ronaldo, 39, joined Al Nassr as a free agent in late 2022 and has reclaimed his place at the top of the Saudi league scoring charts this season. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored 22 times in 20 appearances for the club and leads the pack by one goal over second-placed Al Ittihad striker Mohammad Al-Sahlawi.
But the former Real Madrid and Juventus star has been criticized for his actions after the 3-2 win over Al Shabab as he appeared to make an obscene gesture towards the home fans. Despite no television cameras capturing the incident, Saudi newspaper Asharq al-Awsat claimed that the National Football Federation (SAFF) had opened an investigation into the matter.
Ronaldo is no stranger to such controversies in the kingdom, having been accused of making several similar gestures. In April last year, he appeared to grab his private area while heading towards the dugout after his team suffered a 2-0 loss to rivals Al Hilal. In addition, earlier this month, he picked up an Al Hilal scarf thrown in his direction, put it in his shorts, and then discarded it as he walked towards the tunnel after the Riyadh Season Cup final. The Al Feiha match was the sixth of the season for Ronaldo and his team, who are currently two points behind leaders Al Ittihad with seven games remaining. They face another big test on Sunday when they visit fourth-placed Al Hilal.
