By satish mehra, Sports activities Correspondent
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Cristiano Ronaldo’s blockbuster transfer to Al-Nassr in January 2023 was billed as a seismic shift for Saudi Arabian soccer, however current matches have sparked an sudden debate: Are opponents treating the five-time Ballon d’Or winner too kindly on the pitch?
Footage from Al-Nassr’s current conflict towards Al-Taawoun went viral this week, displaying an opposing defender sheepishly asking Ronaldo for his jersey mid-game. The incident, which occurred moments after Ronaldo scored a penalty, led to accusations that rivals prioritize memorabilia over competitiveness when dealing with the Portuguese legend. Social media erupted, with followers dubbing the pattern “Get your shirt afterwards!”
The Controversy: Respect or Decreased Rivalry?
Critics argue that Ronaldo’s iconic standing is overshadowing the game’s aggressive spirit within the Saudi Professional League. Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton quipped on BBC Radio 5 Reside:
“In case you’re asking for autographs throughout a match, you’re not precisely setting the tone to tough him up, are you? This isn’t a museum tour.”
Others, nevertheless, defend the league’s rising high quality. Al-Nassr’s supervisor Luis Castro dismissed claims of leniency:
“Cristiano faces double-marking each match. The concept that defenders aren’t difficult him is absurd—he’s scored 34 objectives this 12 months as a result of he’s Cristiano, not as a result of opponents are starstruck.”
By the Numbers: Ronaldo’s Dominance
Ronaldo’s stats since becoming a member of Al-Nassr are undeniably staggering:
- 48 objectives in 53 appearances (as of July 2024).
- 13 assists, together with a record-breaking run of 10 consecutive league objectives.
- 4 trophies, together with the 2023 Arab Membership Champions Cup.
But, skeptics spotlight that the Saudi Professional League’s world rating (#30 in UEFA coefficients) pales in comparison with Europe’s prime tiers, the place Ronaldo confronted fiercer defensive rigors.
Fan Reactions: Divided Opinions
- Professional-Ronaldo Camp: “He’s 39 and nonetheless dominating. Haters simply can’t deal with his greatness,” tweeted @CR7GOAT, amassing 12K likes.
- Critics: “Even MLS defenders didn’t ask Beckham for shirts mid-game. This league lacks credibility,” argued @FootyRealist.
Broader Implications for Saudi Soccer
The Saudi authorities’s billion-dollar push to show the league into a worldwide powerhouse hinges on attracting elite expertise—Neymar, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mané adopted Ronaldo’s lead. However recurring “shirt-gate” moments danger reinforcing stereotypes in regards to the league’s depth.
As Al-Hilal’s defender Ali Al-Bulaihi advised SSC Sports activities:
“We respect legends, however on the pitch, we’re warriors. Ronaldo earns his objectives—nobody items him something.”
What’s Subsequent?
With Al-Nassr chasing Al-Hilal for the 2024 league title, all eyes shall be on whether or not Ronaldo’s rivals ramp up their physicality—or preserve souvenir-hunting on their minds. For now, the talk rages: Is Ronaldo revolutionizing Saudi soccer, or is the league bending too far to accommodate its celebrity?
One factor’s sure—the phrase “Get your shirt afterwards!” gained’t be leaving the soccer lexicon anytime quickly.
Observe www.realnewshub.com for extra updates on Cristiano Ronaldo and the Saudi Professional League.