Ronaldo’s key role for new team as superstar fires blank in Saudi debut

Ronaldo's crucial position as the new team's superstar failed to materialise in his Saudi Arabia debut. After becoming the highest-paid footballer in history, Cristiano Ronaldo led Al Nassr to a 1-0 victory over Ettifaq in his debut game in the Saudi Pro League. The Portuguese superstar was held without a goal, but Al Nassr, who moved for agreements worth more than 400 million euros, saw hopeful signals. Al Nassr is seeking local and continental silverware. However, Ronaldo's league debut seemed underwhelming in front of 22,862 spectators after he scored twice in this week's entertaining 5-4 exhibition loss to Paris Saint-Germain without Lionel Messi. Rudi Garcia, the coach of Al Nassr, stated, "He's one of the finest players in football history; therefore, it's extremely essential for us to do all we can to put him in the best shape." I want him to enjoy himself on the field, and today he was excited to play with his new squad for the first time. Ronaldo, who was handed the important duty of captain, got off to a quiet start in the first half, twice misplacing the ball while trying to fool his teammates. Ronaldo nearly connected with Abdulmajeed Al Sulaiman's cross, which Anderson Talisca headed in for the game's lone goal on 31 minutes after Ronaldo's early attempt from the outside of the box was deflected over. Soon after, Ronaldo blasted over a free kick from a prime location just beyond the penalty area while being greeted by cries of "Siu!" whenever he touched the ball. In the second half, Al Nassr's front three started to work together, as Ronaldo quickly set up Pity Martinez and Talisca for close opportunities after doing some of his signature stepovers. Ronaldo began to feel comfortable with his role after swinging and missing with a bicycle kick. He then tried a shot from an almost impossible angle after dribbling into the area. However, Ronaldo was unable to score in front of his girlfriend, Georgina Rodriguez, as Al Nassr continued to lead the Saudi Pro League thanks to the victory.

Early in January, Ronaldo came to the oil-rich country of Saudi Arabia. However, his debut was postponed as he served a two-match suspension for kicking a fan's phone out of his hand while playing for Manchester United. Ronaldo, an undisputed all-time great who has consistently performed on football's grandest platforms and accumulated an incredible number of team and personal honours, is taking a step back with his transfer to Saudi Arabia. A five-time winner of the Ballon d'Or, Ronaldo is the all-time leading scorer in the Champions League, winning five championships along the way. He has also won seven domestic titles with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. Ronaldo also holds the record for career goals and international goals (118 with Portugal, the team that won the Euros in 2016) (819).Last year in Qatar, he was named the guy who has scored in five World Cups.

After his second tenure at Manchester United ended bitterly due to his disparaging the team in a TV appearance, he made a shocking transfer to Al Nassr.Al Nassr signed a contract for more than 200 million euros, according to a source close to him, on top of a previous 200 million euro agreement to serve as an ambassador for Saudi Arabia's anticipated 2030 World Cup co-hosting bid.It will add to Ronaldo's financial gains after he became the first football player to surpass $1 billion in earnings in 2020. His extensive social media presence, which includes more than 800 million followers across Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, contributes to his popularity.However, due to Saudi Arabia's "appalling human rights record," activist groups including Amnesty International have criticised his relocation, warning that he is now an "instrument of Saudi Arabia's sportswashing."