Ronaldo Marks His Return from the Euros with a Goal, But Everyone's Laughing at His Free Kick

Experts have discovered how Cristiano motivates himself for greatness.

Ronaldo’s stoic embrace after Portugal's loss in the quarterfinals of EURO 2024 calmed Pepe's overwhelming tears and sobered millions of viewers worldwide. We saw Cristiano as human and finally realized that another era has crystallized in eternity, with the only path forward now through our memories.

It seems Cristiano understood this, too. But while for Pepe, the captain's embrace became the last memory of football, the legendary striker returned to where he belongs now. And no, we’re not trying to be sarcastic about the veteran – this is how Ronaldo described his return to Saudi Arabia.

No matter how we view the local championship, it is still professional football with official matches. And, accordingly, records, some of which seem to exist solely to catch Ronaldo's eye. He began his pursuit of them in the first match of his 23rd season. Although, as we know, it's the records that chase him.

In the match against Al-Taawoun for the Saudi Super Cup, Al Nassr's forward scored his 896th career goal, skillfully shaking off a defender and sharply finishing a cross from the right flank near the goal.

Cristiano scored at the hour mark but also recorded an assist at the very beginning of the match. The legendary Portuguese couldn’t turn a cross from the left flank into a goal. Still, his touch made things easier for local talent Ayman Yahya.

But the internet, as expected, paid no attention to Ronaldo’s goal-scoring feats. Everyone laughed at his preparation for a free kick. The incident happened in the 11th minute. The position wasn’t favorable, but EURO 2024 showed us that nothing stops Cristiano in such moments. While the wall was being set up, the Portuguese striker was muttering something passionately – an affirmation, as lip-reading experts discovered, was quite simple: "I’m the best. I’m the best."

Famous British scientists debunk some entrenched scientific facts every few months. And Cristiano debunked the benefit of affirmations by launching the ball well over the goal. But the victory is what matters.

However, ahead lies a monstrous challenge by local standards – Al Hilal, who, led by Malcom last season, entered the Guinness Book of Records with a 34-match unbeaten streak and left Al Nassr without trophies.

Published by Patrick Jane
16.08.2024