A footballer in Saudi Arabia performed a tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo after scoring a goal that could help the Portuguese star win more silverware.
Ronaldo has been plying his trade in Saudi Arabia since the turn of the year, following his controversial departure from Manchester United.
United and Ronaldo parted ways after the star gave and interview with Piers Morgan in which he criticised manager Erik ten Hag.
After the World Cup he joined Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, signing an all-time record contract worth a reported £177 million per year.
Many fans – perhaps understandably – expected Ronaldo to walk the Saudi League, the 58th strongest league in the world.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has enjoyed a strong half-campaign, scoring 13 goals and providing two assists in 14 league outings.
However, Ronaldo’s arrival has not inspired his new club to stroll to the Saudi title.
Al Nassr currently sit second in the league standings, three points behind table toppers Al Ittihad with three matches remaining.
Al Nassr have won just two of their last five games, and the deficit would have been greater had their title challengers not been thwarted by a late goal on Tuesday.
Al Hilal, record 18-time league winners and champions in the last two seasons, rescued a 2-2 draw with Al Ittihad with a 94th-minute goal from Brazilian forward Michael.
¡MOMENTAZO en la liga saudí 🇸🇦!
El Ittihad le ganaba 2-1 el clásico al Al-Hilal y se escapaba en la punta del torneo. Pero a los 94 minutos lo empató Michael en una jugada donde pasó de todo! El Al-Nassr sigue con vida.
Y en el medio, Rapallini 😂 pic.twitter.com/soqMWqX6JV
— Nahuel Lanzón (@nahuelzn) May 16, 2023
The 27-year-old’s goal pegged back the league leaders at the death, preventing them from practically wrapping up the league title with three games left to play.
Ronaldo will no doubt be pleased that he still has a chance of ending the season with a medal around his neck, but that’s not all.
Celebrating his late goal, Michael sprinted away and performed Ronaldo’s iconic celebration, leaping in the air, spinning around and landing with his arms outstretched.
Whether he shouted “Siuuuu” or not is unclear, but either way, the celebration was certainly fitting of such an important goal.
If Al Nassr go on to win the title and Ronaldo gets to lift the trophy, he’d do well to remember the fan who he needs to thank.
